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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Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

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Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more