Tuesday 5th November

Tuesday, 5 November 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The A303 between Ilchester and Sparkford can now be used as a dual carriageway for the first time. People living in rural parts of South Somerset may not get high-speed broadband until 2027. Plans have been submitted to build 150 new homes on the site of the former Horlicks Factory in Ilminster...and more

National Highways say the A303 between Ilchester and Sparkford can now be used for the first time as a dual carriageway. It follows the completion of two years of work dualling the road, with lanes in both directions between Ilchester and Sparkford now open to traffic, and speed restrictions that had been in operation lifted.

People living in rural parts of South Somerset may not get high-speed broadband until 2027. Installer, Airband, had promised to connect 55 thousand properties across Devon and Somerset to full fibre broadband by the end of 2025 but now says that’s unlikely to happen. Airband has told 'Connecting Devon and Somerset' the company who awarded them the contract, that only around 30,000 homes are likely to get high-speed broadband, and that won’t be until 2027.

Plans have been submitted to build 150 new homes on the site of the former Horlicks Factory in Ilminster. The 22-hectare site is divided by Station Road and includes the creation of a flood alleviation channel adjacent to the River Isle. If the application is approved, the new homes will be built to the north of Station Road, with a mix of different-use buildings, including offices, general industrial, and drive-thru uses, on the southern half of the site.

The former Conservative group leader on Somerset County Council, David Fothergill has welcomed the choice of Kemi Badenoch as new Leader of the Conservative party. He says as the first major political party in Europe to choose a black woman as a Leader, the Conservatives are leading the way in inclusivity and diversity.

NHS Somerset has been shortlisted for a Health Service Journal Award for its work with the Armed Forces hub, Ark. The Ark project, based at Egwood near Merriot, provides care and support to serving and retired military personnel and is partly funded by NHS Somerset.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more