Tuesday 26th November

Tuesday, 26 November 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Somerset councillor has criticised government plans to relax the planning laws. A new group has been formed in Somerset aimed at cutting the number of motorcycle thefts. A retired Royal Naval Reserve Officer in Somerset has set a new Guinness World Record...and more.

A Somerset councillor has criticised government plans to relax the planning laws. The government wants to make it quicker and simpler for developers to get their applications approved. But, Martin Wale, who represents Chard North on Somerset Council, claims rushing through applications will lead to homes being built without the infrastructure in place, like schools and GP surgeries, needed to support the new homes.

A new group has been formed in Somerset aimed at cutting the number of motorcycle thefts. The launch of Bikers Against Theft in Somerset, known as BATS, follows a spate of motorcycle thefts in the County.

The RSPCA in Somerset says it dealt with 300 abandoned animals last year, making it the worst year on record for abandoned pets. The charity is warning that Christmas is likely to see another increase and is asking anyone who finds an abandoned pet to take it directly to a local vet or rescue centre.

Leonardo in Yeovil will be flying drones over its airfield today. The company says it’s a test exercise with the drones operated by authorised personnel.

A retired Royal Naval Reserve Officer in Somerset has set a new Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving member of the Royal Navy. Commander Suzanne Clark's Royal Navy career spans 45 years and 107 days of service, beating the previous record by 283 days.

A minute’s silence will be held at Chard Town FC’s home game on Saturday in memory of long-serving club stalwart, Colin Dunford. Colin, who has died aged 79, served as chairman, secretary and treasurer of Chard Town, as well as manager of the Chard Town Ladies team.

More from News

Thursday 13th November

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are taking part in a second day of strike action in their dispute over pay. Lloyds Bank has shut its branch in Chard for good. A week-long programme of tree planting will be held at Ham Hill later this month to mark National Tree Week.... and more
Wednesday 12th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil begin a two-day strike today. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, has been speaking in a parliamentary debate on improving dyslexia support in schools. South Western Ambulance Service is inviting applications for positions on its governing council...and more
Tuesday 11th November

Somerset residents are being urged to get a flu jab as cases of flu continue to rise. Seven horse saddles have been stolen in a break-in at a riding school in Queen Camel. Donations of children’s toys are needed for this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal...and more
Monday 10th November

It’s claimed Somerset Council has lost nearly £5 million selling the Marks and Spencer building in Yeovil. A car has been set on fire in a suspected arson attack in Shepton Mallet. A Crewkerne man says night-time noise from the town's Waitrose store is causing him and his family "sleep disturbance" ... and more.
Friday 7th November

A man from Yeovil has been jailed for eight years after being convicted of three counts of rape. Smoking rates in Somerset remain higher than in many other parts of the UK. Students at three schools in Yeovil have created a new shoe design for Clarks.
Thursday 6th November

The Supreme Court has ruled that building thousands of homes in Somerset has been "unlawfully held up". The Head of Holyrood Academy in Chard has described the building of a new primary school in the town as an ‘incredible opportunity’. A pub near Chard has been named one of the best in Britain by The Good Food Guide...and more
Wednesday 5th November

Members of the Unite union at Leonardo in Yeovil have called off a planned strike for today. South Western Railway says trains on the West of England Line will start running normally again at the end of the month. A memorial post box has been placed at the entrance to Crewkerne cemetery...and more.
Tuesday 4th November

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says from today it will no longer respond to automatic fire alarms. School in a Bag, based in Chilthorne Domer, is sending 400 school bags to Jamaica, following Hurricane Melissa. Yeovil Town has paid tribute to former manager Colin Addison, who has passed away...and more.