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.

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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
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more