Tuesday 9th April

Tuesday, 9 April 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Lloyds Bank is being asked to reconsider closing its branch in Ilminster, leaving the town without a bank. A stretch of the A303 will close later this month as part of dualling the road between Sparkford and Podimore. A dragon parade is to be held in Chard later this month to mark St George’s Day...and more.

Lloyds Bank is being asked to reconsider closing its branch in Ilminster, a move that will leave the town without a bank. Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Yeovil, Adam Dance, says Lloyds is the last remaining bank in Ilminster and the nearest bank for many of the surrounding villages. He’s written to the Head of the banking group asking for the proposed closure to be reconsidered or for Lloyds to give its support to opening a Banking Hub in Ilminster.

People in Ashcott near Street are fighting plans to build a giant solar farm close to where they live. Elgin Energy wants to put the facility on 146 acres of land at Redlands farm and is preparing a planning application to Somerset Council.

A stretch of the A303 will close later this month as part of the dualling scheme between the Sparkford and Podimore roundabouts. National Highways say the closure, starting on Friday, April 19th is to allow for a new eastbound carriageway to be built with the road re-opening at 6 am on Monday, April 22nd.

The RNLI in Somerset is asking for support to raise money to keep volunteers saving lives. It's asking people to sign up for the Mayday Mile and take on the challenge of covering a mile a day during May.

A dragon parade will take place in Chard later this month to mark St George’s Day. The event on Sunday, April 21st will see St George and his maiden on horseback followed by a horde of dragons, parade from the Guildhall to St Mary’s church, where a service of celebration will be held. Dragon artwork, created for the Chard Together, will be on display in the church grounds.

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