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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Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more