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The Number-1 bus that runs between Shepton Mallet, Castle Cary and Yeovil has been withdrawn.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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Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more