Tuesday 9th April

Tuesday, 9 April 2024 at 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.

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Monday 26th October

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Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
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The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

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