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The Number-1 bus that runs between Shepton Mallet, Castle Cary and Yeovil has been withdrawn.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

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more