Thursday 16th November

Thursday, 16 November 2023 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A campaign has been launched to save the Great Lyde pub in Yeovil from closure. New data has shown the South West is experiencing the biggest percentage increase in shoplifting of all English regions. Concern has been expressed that rural parts of Somerset are being left behind in the rollout of 5G connectivity...and more.

A campaign has been launched to save a Yeovil pub from closure. The Great Lyde on Lyde Road is trading as normal while advertised for sale. Regulars have started a petition calling for the pub to be kept open after it was revealed that plans have been submitted to change the building to a school for children with special educational needs.

New data has shown the South West is experiencing the biggest percentage increase in shoplifting of all English regions. It follows news that the government plans to have shoplifting treated like organised crime. Regional Secretary of the shop workers union, USDAW, Mike Walker, says shoplifting, coupled with abusive behaviour towards shop staff, is putting people off from working in retail. The government says it is planning to have shoplifting treated like organised crime.

Concern has been expressed that rural parts of Somerset are being left behind in the roll-out of 5G connectivity. Research has shown that urban areas in the South West are having 5G introduced far quicker than rural places. Somerton and Frome MP Sarah Dyke says for far too long rural communities have been left behind when it comes to digital connectivity. She’s calling for a quick resolution to what she describes as the ‘digital divide’ that exists between city and rural areas in the South West.

A holiday park in Crewkerne has won a top regional tourism award. Peckmoor Farm Lodges was crowned Best Small Lodge Escape destination in Devon, Somerset & Dorset in the UK Staycation Awards.

Young gymnasts at Herne View Primary School in Ilminster have had the opportunity to meet and train with an international gymnast. Kelly Simm, who won gold as part of Team England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, put the children through their paces, providing tips to the young gymnasts, during a visit to the school sponsored by Premier Education of Taunton.

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