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 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