Thursday 21st March

Thursday, 21 March 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A four-year-long, one-million-pound regeneration project in Chard, to improve the look of the town centre is nearing completion. Bus users have criticised a decision to cut a bus route between Wells and Yeovil. Yeovil is one of only three towns in Somerset to win a place in the finals of the national Britain in Bloom competition...and more

A one-million-pound regeneration project in Chard, aimed at improving the look of the town centre, is nearing completion. The work, including laying new footpaths, repairing listed buildings and smartening up shop fronts with money from the government’s High Street Fund, has been ongoing for four years. Somerset Council, who manage the project, are hoping the improvements will attract new investment in Chard.

Bus users have criticised a decision to cut a bus route between Wells and Yeovil. The 77 bus that leaves Wells at 6.40 pm for Yeovil Monday to Saturday will run for the last time on April 6th. The Somerset Bus Partnership claims that students at Strode College who work late will be left without a bus to get them home, along with people who rely on the 77 service for journeys too-and-from work.

Wetlands in Somerset are to receive eight hundred thousand pounds of government funding to restore habitats. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust says the money will be used to improve more than three-hundred-and-seventy hectares of habitats at Steart Marshes and Bridgwater Bay.

Yeovil is one of only three towns in Somerset to win a place in the finals of this year’s national Britain in Bloom competition. Yeovil in Bloom is a finalist in the Large Town category, after winning gold in last year’s South West in Bloom Awards. The other towns to win through to the finals are Glastonbury and Cannington. Britain in Bloom judges will visit each of the finalists this summer with the winners announced in the autumn.

The South Somerset Tourist Information Centre at Cartgate will close at the end of the month. The TIC, located off the Cartgate roundabout on A303, has fallen victim to spending cuts at Somerset Council. The last day for the centre will be Saturday, March 30th.

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