Wednesday 12th June

Wednesday, 12 June 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Yeovil man who committed non-recent sex offences against a teenage girl has been jailed for seven years. Tourism in the South West is at its lowest point for ten years. The Devon Truck Show has been announced as the new main sponsor of Chard Carnival...and more.

A Yeovil man who committed non-recent sex offences against a teenage girl in Lincolnshire has been jailed. Simon Slade, aged 65, of Cherry Tree Drive, in Yeovil, was convicted of two serious sexual offences and one charge of indecent assault following a trial at Lincoln Crown Court. The court was told the offending had taken place in the late 1990s with Slade grooming and manipulating the teenager into sexual activity. Slade, who runs a motor racing business in Yeovil, was jailed for seven years. (story courtesy of Somerset Live),

According to an industry expert, tourism in the South West is at its lowest point in 10 years. Hospitality and attractions face continuing challenges with staffing, the cost of living and energy. Tim Jones of the South West Business Council says pub and restaurant closures have contributed to a one-billion pound drop in turnover for the sector.

Households in Bruton, Castle Cary, Buckhorn Weston, Crewkerne, Ilminster and Martock will have a one-off Saturday rubbish collection later this month. It’s part of kerbside rubbish and recycling changes that begin next Monday for 92,000 homes in the South Somerset and Mendip areas. Of these, around 17,000 will have a one-off rubbish collection but not recycling on Saturday, June 15th or Saturday, June 22nd. The extra collections will mean households will not go too long between rubbish collections as collection days change.

A new role has been created to help restore trust in Somerset’s maternity services. The new role of Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocate is designed to help women and families navigate the NHS after a traumatic birth.

The Devon Truck Show has been announced as the new main sponsor of Chard Carnival. The show held in Honiton raises funds for local charities and community groups. Chard Carnival will take place on Saturday, October 8th.

Ilminster Football Club is staging a fundraising dinner with guest speaker, Ian Holloway. The former Plymouth Argyle, Leicester City, Blackpool and Crystal Palace coach will be at The Shrubbery Hotel telling stories from his career on Friday, July 12th.

More from News

Monday 8th September

Farmers in Somerset will be driving their tractors to protest at Labour’s annual Party Conference in Liverpool later this month. A Somerset animal rescue centre says it’s dealing with a surge in the number of large dog breeds being surrendered or rehomed. The George Inn in Ilminster has announced that it will be reopening to customers on Monday, September 15th...and more
Friday 5th September

A large water leak in Yeovil closed part of Middle Street last night whilst repairs took place. A Somerset MP has been voicing his concerns over warnings of future flood dangers in the county. The Wincanton branch of Lidl could be demolished to be replaced with a bigger store...and more.
Thursday 4th September

A new leisure complex on the edge of Yeovil will be built, after plans were approved by Somerset Council. Landmarks across the south-west will be illuminated from Monday to mark Air Ambulance Week. YAOS are hoping to trace passengers stranded at Gander Airport in Newfoundland after the 9/11 attacks...and more.
Wednesday 3rd September

Yeovil’s MP, Adam Dance, will introduce his first Bill to Parliament next week, proposing dyslexia screening. The 2025 Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan referendum has won a massive majority in the town. Chard residents are being encouraged to report crime and antisocial behaviour...and more.
Tuesday 2nd September

An ex-Somerset MP who quit politics after allegations of sexual misconduct has died suddenly. The A378 in Langport has now reopened after extensive work. Crewkerne’s annual Charter Fair, which can be traced back to Saxon times, returns this weekend...and more.
Monday 1st September

The taps are back on in Yeovil, after large parts of the town were left without water on Friday. South Somerset is now considered the UK’s top alternative to the Cotswolds. Yeovil is gearing up for the return of its Literary Festival this October...and more.
Friday 29th August

The Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town. A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down... and more.
Thursday 28th August

A Marston Magna man who fell ill on holiday has died. A film of Yeovil’s fundraiser for famine relief is being screened tonight, forty years on. A South Somerset contestant has been ranked fifth place at the World’s Strongest Man (Natural) contest...and more.