An ex-Somerset MP who quit politics after allegations of sexual misconduct has died suddenly. The A378 in Langport has now reopened after extensive work. Crewkerne’s annual Charter Fair, which can be traced back to Saxon times, returns this weekend...and more.
An ex-Somerset MP who quit politics after allegations of sexual misconduct has died suddenly. David Warburton, who represented Somerton & Frome, which was a neighbouring constituency to Yeovil, died in London on Tuesday last week. Former Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh described Warburton as a talented and sensitive person with a great flair for words and a passion for his constituents.
The A378 in Langport has now reopened under the railway bridge following extensive work. Teams began in July to add new steelwork to the underside of the bridge, ensuring the Castle Cary to Taunton railway line continues to run safely and reliably. The bridge had been closed since August 4th, but is now open again.
Meanwhile, a stretch of Ham Hill will be closed for six hours on Monday to allow for pole replacement and tree cutting. Ninety metres of the road will shut from 9.30 am, heading south-east from the High Street. The council have explained that the closure is necessary to keep the public safe whilst works are carried out. An alternative route will be established.
A Crewkerne building that provides computer servicing could be converted from office space to a residential dwelling if the Somerset Council approves a new planning application. The premises at 27 South Street would undergo internal alterations, but no external changes, in a bid to preserve the appearance and character of the conservation area.
Crewkerne’s annual Charter Fair returns this weekend, with the town centre being transformed into a fairground and marketplace. Edward Danter’s Funfair will open at 4:45 on Friday afternoon. The street market will take place from 10 am on Sunday, and the local Rotary Club will hold its annual grand raffle at 2 pm that afternoon. The street fair can be traced back to Saxon times and was documented in the Domesday Book.
The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,