Thursday 23rd January

Thursday, 23 January 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil Town Council has defended its decision to increase its share of the Council Tax by an average of £80. A man who drove an e-scooter in Yeovil while disqualified from driving has been jailed for six weeks. According to new data, the Yeovil driving test centre is the 12th easiest in the UK to pass a driving test...and more

Somerset's Town Councils have been defending big increases in their share of council tax bills. The increases, which come into force in April, range from as little as £4 in Minehead to £51 in Burnham and Highbridge, with one of the biggest hikes in Yeovil, where the Town Council is putting up its share of the Council Tax by an average of £80. Town Councils like Yeovil say the increases are necessary to pay for running services they've taken on from Somerset Council to avoid Somerset Council going bankrupt.

A man who drove an e-scooter in Yeovil while disqualified from driving has been jailed for six weeks. David Bailey, of no fixed address, appeared before local magistrates and was charged with theft from a Tesco Express. Bailey was also given six points on his licence but was let off paying for the stolen items due to his lack of means.

Somerset Council says it’ll be another two months before work starts properly demolishing buildings in Glovers Walk in Yeovil. The Council says work clearing the site is being concentrated at the moment on internal demolition, with hoarding put in place to make the area safe and access to the bus station from Middle Street closed off to the public.

There’s good news for anyone planning to take a driving test in Yeovil. According to new data, the Yeovil driving test centre is the 12th easiest in the UK to pass a test. Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency for the final quarter of last year, show the average pass rate in Yeovil was 61 percent, compared to the national average pass rate of 48 percent. Dorchester Driving Test Centre was fourth on the list for having the highest pass rate.

A Somerset dental surgery has come top at the 2024 Loo of the Year Awards. Trust Dental Practice in Street won the Best Loo Award in the Healthcare sector for having the best loo nationally. Owner of Trust Dental, Doctor James Main, says the win is extra special as they are the first dental practice in the UK to win a Best Loo Award.

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