Thursday 18th January

Thursday, 18 January 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Hundreds of jobs could be cut at Somerset Council as the organisation is re-structured to save money. An investigation has been launched following the death of a Somerset man in a collision on the A37. Templecombe residents say they're disappointed after a hedgehog warning sign at the entrance to the village was vandalised and torn down...and more.

Hundreds of jobs could go at Somerset Council as the organisation is re-structured to save money. The Council’s Lib Dem Leader Bill Revans says the cuts are needed to make the Council financially sustainable. Currently, he’s faced with cutting spending by £100 million to avoid the Council going bankrupt.

An investigation's been launched following the death of a Somerset man in a collision involving a lorry on the A37 at Long Ash Lane near to Somerset/Dorset border on Monday morning, earlier this week. The driver of a Honda Civic died at the scene. Another man, also from Somerset, was treated for minor injuries. Police say three vehicles were involved in the collision and are appealing for witnesses

The Number-1 bus that runs between Shepton Mallet, Castle Cary and Yeovil has been withdrawn. South West Coaches – who run the service - had asked for an increased subsidy to keep it running but Somerset Council turned down the request. The Council says it’s now looking for a new operator to provide a replacement service.

A Chard man has been fined for fishing without a licence. Magistrates in Wiltshire were told that Harry Burston from Otterford near Chard was caught fishing at Chard reservoir without a licence by officers from the Environment Agency. They fined him £220 with costs of £135.

A nursery in Chard has been rated as ‘Good’ following an Ofsted inspection. It marks a turnaround at The Lawns Children’s Nursery at Chard School which previously had been rated by Ofsted as ‘inadequate’.

People in Templecombe say they're disappointed after a hedgehog warning sign at the entrance to the village was vandalised and torn down. Carrie Schuster, who helped put up the sign, says they’re hoping to find a generous sign maker to donate a new sign.

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