Thursday 30th January

Thursday, 30 January 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Lloyds bank is closing its branch in Chard. A Sherborne man has been jailed after defrauding a Yeovil woman of £40,000. A volunteer group in Chard is urging people to sign up to a flood victims register. A councillor in Shepton Mallet has become the first Reform UK member on Somerset Council... and more

Lloyds bank is closing its branch in Chard. It says it’s due to increasing numbers of customers using digital channels for their day-to-day banking. Lloyds plans to shut the Chard branch by March of next year.

A Sherborne man has been sentenced to two years imprisonment after defrauding and manipulating a Yeovil woman telling her that he worked in a bomb disposal role for the US Military. Appearing at Taunton Crown Court, James Starr of Gas House Hill in Sherborne pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour, and to another charge of fraud against his victim.

Somerset Council has sold 71 million pounds worth of commercial property assets to help stabilise its finances. The buildings, including shops and offices, were originally bought as investments by Somerset’s former district councils, including South Somerset District Council.

A volunteer group in Chard is urging people to sign up to a flood victims register to ensure they can access help more quickly should the town become flooded in the future. Over 100 people had to be evacuated from their homes earlier this week when flash floods hit Chard. Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s in Chard has re-opened after being forced to close when the store flooded.

A 31-year-old man from Street has been jailed for 13 months for causing the death of a woman by careless driving. Beryl Howard, aged 83, died after being struck by a van being reversed out of a driveway by Reece McKinven. He was found in possession of half a gram of cannabis and charged with causing death by careless driving, driving without a licence or insurance and possessing a class B drug. McKinven, who had pleaded guilty to all charges at an earlier hearing, was appearing at Taunton Crown Court for sentencing and was also banned from driving for two-and-a-half years.

A councillor in Shepton Mallet has become the first Reform UK member of Somerset Council. Bente Height has defected to Reform UK after previously being a member of the Conservative group on Somerset Council.

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