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The Number-1 bus that runs between Shepton Mallet, Castle Cary and Yeovil has been withdrawn.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

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more