Tuesday 9th January

Tuesday, 9 January 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Extra charges are being levied on empty properties and second homes in Somerset. Tributes have been paid to Somerset councillor Dean Ruddle who has died at the age of 59. Yeovil Town's game away to Taunton Town tonight is completely sold out...and more

Extra charges are being levied on empty properties and second homes in Somerset. More than 2,600 properties are currently unoccupied in the County, including nearly 100 that have been empty for ten years. To encourage owners to bring them back into use, Somerset Council is imposing a 100 per cent council tax premium on properties empty for more than one year. Additional charges are also being levied on second homes.

Tributes have been paid to Councillor Dean Ruddle, who died at 59. Known to his colleagues as “Mr Somerton”, Cllr Ruddle was Lead Member for Adult Services on Somerset Council and also Chairman of Somerton Town Council.

One person had to be taken to hospital following a three-vehicle crash near Chard. It happened on the A358 at Hornsbury Hill at midday yesterday. The road was closed for more than an hour. The condition of the injured person is not known.

A new way of dealing with women, arrested for the first time for low-level offences, is being tested in Somerset in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police. 'Project She' run by the Nelson Trust offers women who admit to wrongdoing, the chance of training and support, rather than a court appearance.

A new £3 parking charge has come into effect at the Westhay Moor Nature Reserve, near Langport. Up until now, parking at the Reserve has been free, however, entry to the Reserve itself remains at no charge.

An audiologist in Somerset claims hearing aids help people to stay fit and active in older age. Laura Lewis, who works for T T M Hearing Services, says she's not surprised that a study has found hearing aids can delay the onset of dementia and help people to live longer.

Yeovil Town will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run of six games when they take on Taunton Town away at Wordsworth Drive tonight. The Glovers, who are ten points clear at the top of National League South, beat Taunton 4-1 at Huish Park on Boxing Day. Tonight’s game, which is sold out, kicks off at 7.45 pm.

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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