Tuesday 19th March

Tuesday, 19 March 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Visit Somerset says the number of people visiting Somerset's tourist attraction is on the increase, despite a downturn in visitor numbers at UK tourist attractions. A new doctors’ surgery could soon open in Bruton as part of a new housing scheme. A campaign’s been launched in Bradford Abbas for the village to be given back a post box... and more.

The CEO of Visit Somerset says the tourism industry in the county is bouncing back. John Turner's comments come as a new report suggests the number of visits to tourist attractions in the UK remains below pre-pandemic levels.

A new doctors’ surgery could soon open in Bruton as part of a new housing scheme. Developers Woolsington One Ltd have applied to build an estate of new homes on land to the north of Brewham Road. If the plans are approved, a new GP surgery would be opened in the area, funded in part by a financial contribution from the developers.

Plans have been announced to open a new banking hub in Sherborne. It follows the decision by Lloyds to close its branch in the town, leaving Sherborne without a bank. The banking hub would be run by LINK, the UK's cash access and ATM network, and would consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees. LINK is now consulting local people on where in the town they would like the banking hub located.

A campaign’s been launched in Bradford Abbas for the village to be given back a post box. The local post box was sealed off and painted over when the Post Office in Bradford Abbas closed and was converted for residential use. Local councillor, Rodney Legg, has criticised the Post Office over their handling of the matter. He says officials have visited Bradford Abbas three times since November to find a place to locate a post box, but as yet they haven't been given back a post box...

Children at Herne View Primary School in Ilminster have received a thank you from Lenny Henry for raising more than £200 for Comic Relief. The school joined with the Apple Orchard Pre School in raising the money with children and teachers wearing something Red for last Friday’s Comic Relief Day.
A new High Sheriff of Somerset has been appointed. He’s Rob Beckley a retired police officer who lives in Pitminster and was formally installed in the role of High Sheriff at the annual legal service held in Wells Cathedral last weekend.

The tennis courts in Ilminster have again had to be closed after vandals damaged a gate. Ilminster Town Council, who manage the courts, say deliberate damage was done to the gate hinges, making it so the gate could not be properly opened or securely closed. The Council is asking anyone who knows those responsible to contact the Council.

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Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

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