Thursday 12th October

Thursday, 12 October 2023 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Schools in Somerset are being asked to participate in a trial that would see roads around school buildings closed to traffic during pick-up and drop-off times. Somerset Council has won a legal battle to prevent fifty new homes being built in Tatworth, near Chard. A Martock man hopes to set a new record for the highest-ever wingsuit jump...and more.

Schools in Somerset are being asked to participate in a trial that would see roads around school buildings closed to traffic during pick-up and drop-off times. It’s planned that if all necessary permissions are in place, the trial, organised by the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership, will start in selected areas of Somerset after the school Easter holidays next year

The head of infrastructure development at Wessex Water says we need to be better at managing our rainfall if we're to prevent future major flooding events in the county. Matt Wheeldon talking about Wessex Water handing out eight hundred free water butts to homeowners in Chard to help reduce the risk of flooding.

Somerset Council has won a legal battle to prevent 50 new homes being built in Tatworth, near Chard. Developers, Brewer Lillington and Land Allocation Ltd had put forward separate plans for the homes on two adjoining sites on Fore Street. South Somerset District Council rejected the plans in January 2022, prompting the developers to launch appeals to the Planning Inspectorate. The inspector has now upheld the Council’s decision, meaning the homes will not go ahead.

A tree has been planted in honour of Queen Elizabeth the Second in Ilminster. An area of Ilminster Recreation Ground, where the tree was planted, has been named the Queen’s Garden. It also features a commemorative bench that pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth.

A Martock man hopes to set a new record for the highest-ever wingsuit jump. Ex-military man, Tim Howell, regularly climbs up mountains to fly back down wearing a special wingsuit. He's preparing to make the record-breaking attempt in Switzerland.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more