Tuesday 30th January

Tuesday, 30 January 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Members of Yeovil Town Council meet tonight to vote on doubling the amount of council tax they charge. Rail services through Castle Cary could be delayed or cancelled due to an overtime ban and strike by train drivers. Tobias Turley from Street, who won the ITV series 'Mamma Mia I Have a Dream' has made his debut performance in ‘Mama Mia the Musical’ in London’s West End...and more.

Members of Yeovil Town Council meet tonight to vote on doubling the amount of council tax they charge people who live in Yeovil. The increase would see the Town Council’s share of the council tax on a typical Band-D property rise from £130.80 to £276.08 per annum – an increase of more than 100 per cent. Town Council says it needs the extra income – amounting to just over one million pounds – to pay for services they plan to take over from Somerset Council like Yeovil Recreation Centre, Yeovil Country Park, the Octagon Theatre and Westland's Entertainment venue, Tonight’s meeting at the Town House in South Street is open to the public and starts at 7.30 pm.

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says having cameras film the work of the force’s professional standards department for a TV documentary has been the right thing to do. It follows criticisms of the police for revealing in a TV documentary how they investigate corrupt staff and officers. Chief Constable Sarah Crew says the programme will show how open and transparent the force is in all its dealings.

Somerset Council is calling for more people to come forward to act as foster carers. Currently, 581 children in Somerset live away from home, with only 152 looked after by foster carers.

Rail services through Castle Cary could be delayed or cancelled over the next few days due to an overtime ban and strike by train drivers. Members of the ASLEF union at more than a dozen train companies, including GWR, are taking action in support of their ongoing dispute over pay.

Tobias Turley from Street, who won the ITV series 'Mamma Mia I Have a Dream' has made his debut performance in ‘Mama Mia the Musical’ in London’s West End. Tobias, who plays the role of Sky, says he feels privileged to have such a big part in the show.

Yeovil Town are in action tonight. The Glovers, who have a twelve-point lead at the top of National League South, take on Slough Town at Huish Park, kick-off is at 7.45 pm.

More from News

Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more