Tuesday 16th April

Tuesday, 16 April 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A new operator has been found to run a Chard care home that has been at risk of closure. A licence has been granted to run a new music festival in West Dorset. People have until midnight tonight to register for a vote in the election for a Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset...and more.

A new operator has been found to run Sunnymeade Care Home in Chard which had been at risk of closure. Somerset Council announced in February plans to shut the home saying it was no longer financially viable. Now, Agincare (Somerset) Limited has stepped in to take over its running, together with Critchill Court Care Home in Frome which was also at risk of closure. Agincare says they will invest in both homes to ensure their long-term future, and safeguard jobs.

A licence has been granted to run a new music festival in West Dorset, despite local objections. The first Dorsom Music Festival is planned for next year at Seaborough Manor Farm in Beaminster with 10,000 revellers attending. Local residents claim the country lanes leading to the festival site are difficult to access and for that reason wanted the licence application rejected.

Chard Guildhall will be lit up green this weekend to promote the Samaritans as the official charity of this year’s London Marathon. The suicide prevention charity says the aim of partnering with the London Marathon is to tackle the stigma around suicide and encourage the public to play a greater part in suicide prevention.

Yeovil-based, Milsted Langdon, has been shortlisted for a national award. The accountancy firm, who also have offices in Bath, Bristol, Taunton, and London, is in the running to win the title of 'Best Tax Practice in a Regional Firm' at the Tolley’s Taxation Awards, being held in London on May 16th.

Castle Cary Museum is holding its annual meeting today. It takes place at The Market House starting at 3 pm with friends of the museum and supporters invited to attend.

People have until midnight tonight to register for a vote in the upcoming election for the post of Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset. The role of the PCC is to set the police budget and hold the Chief Constable and Avon and Somerset force to account.

More from News

Wednesday 17th September

The Environment Agency is being urged to rethink its decision to stop maintaining smaller rivers and streams in Somerset. South Western Railway, which runs trains through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne, has issued body cameras to more of its staff. Twelve new neighbourhood officers have joined Avon and Somerset Police...and more
Tuesday 17th September

Plans have been submitted to build 61 new homes between Montacute and Stoke-sub-Hamdon. Organisers of Langport Triathlon say it’ll be a few more days before they’re able to give out the results in the cycling section following a medical emergency in the crowd at Sunday's event. A new town crier is wanted in Wells...and more.
Monday 15th September

NHS Somerset says it’s 'fully committed' to re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital, but won't say when it will reopen. Water levels at Somerset's reservoirs have dropped below 50%, despite the recent heavy rain. A charity shop in Martock has reunited a long-lost compass with its owner after he lost it 70 years ago...and more
Friday 12th September

One of Somerset's most prominent horse trainers says planned tax increases on remote betting could be a ‘nail in the coffin’ for horse racing. An Ilchester man has been arrested in connection with a burglary in West Dorset. Somerset Council’s Chief Executive and other senior officers have been given a 3.2% pay rise...and more
Thursday 11th September

A bill put forward by Yeovil MP Adam Dance, calling for better awareness of pupil neurodivergent behaviour in schools, has passed its first reading in the Commons. Around 40 thousand people in Somerset could have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Dozens of bikers will take to the roads in Somerset this weekend in support of a breast cancer charity...and more
Wednesday 10th September

Yeovil Town Football Club has been given a two-year extension to buy back Huish Park from Somerset Council. A takeaway business in Bridgwater has been stripped of its licence after three employees were discovered working there illegally. A company in South Chard has been celebrating its 200th anniversary...and more
Tuesday 9th September

People are being asked to comment on proposals to introduce Sunday charges at Somerset Council-run car parks. A Pilton man has been jailed after cannabis valued at £28,500 was found at his home. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has started an appeal to raise £1 million...and more.
Monday 8th September

Farmers in Somerset will be driving their tractors to protest at Labour’s annual Party Conference in Liverpool later this month. A Somerset animal rescue centre says it’s dealing with a surge in the number of large dog breeds being surrendered or rehomed. The George Inn in Ilminster has announced that it will be reopening to customers on Monday, September 15th...and more