Tuesday 19th March

Tuesday, 19 March 2024 at 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 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