Wednesday 14th February

Wednesday, 14 February 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Parents say that they are worried about planned cuts to the budget for providing transport to children with special needs. East Street in Chard is closed today for repairs to an electric cable. A car has crashed into a gatepost at Cricket St Thomas that featured in the BBC comedy ‘To the Manor Born’...and more.

Parents say that they are worried about planned cuts to the budget for providing transport to children with special needs. Somerset Council, which is looking to make savings of £100 million, wants teenagers with special educational needs and disabilities to learn to use public transport rather than taxis and minibuses for getting to school.

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police has defended criticism from her officers for allowing Channel 4 to film the force's standards department. The final episode of "To Catch A Copper" shown earlier this week, included allegations of sexual misconduct made against officers. Avon and Somerset Police Federation has expressed frustration with the documentary, claiming a lack of balance.

East Street in Chard, in the direction leading out of the town, is closed today for repairs to an electric cable. Traffic is being diverted via Crowshute Lane, with East Street due to re-open on Friday.

A car has crashed into a gatepost at Cricket St Thomas that featured in the BBC comedy ‘To the Manor Born’. The stone structure, situated next to the house lived in by Audrey Forbes Hamilton, was left broken into several pieces following the collision. Police say their enquiries into who was responsible are ongoing.

More than one million recordings of birdsong have been made as part of a project to monitor bird populations on the Somerset Levels. The recordings are being analysed using Artificial intelligence to help improve biodiversity on the Levels.

The Ferne Animal Sanctuary has opened a new store in Crewkerne. The outlet in Falkland Square will be officially opened on Friday, February 23rd by local MP Marcus Fysh.

The charity Brainwave is appealing for volunteers to run its shop in Ilminster. Volunteers carry out tasks that include customer engagement, creative merchandising, and sorting out donations. To apply, go to the Brainwave website.

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765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Wednesday 30th September

Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Tuesday 29th September

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.
Monday 28th September

Somerset Community Foundation says it has awarded more than £40 million in grants across the county. The family of a Somerset girl say they used AI to help diagnose her genetic condition. A property in Monks Dale, Yeovil is subject to a three month Closure Order... and more.
Friday 25th September

’20 Is Plenty’ is the message to drivers travelling through Langport. Chard’s Numatic manufacturing hub is marking 45 years of business with an investment of £85m into the company. Wessex Water tell us the hosepipe ban will remain across the region... and more.
Thursday 24th September

Somerset Council has approved a multi-million pound scheme to tackle flooding in the county. A person had to be transferred to hospital after an incident in Chard. A North Curry travellers’ site must be vacated by Christmas... and more.
Wednesday 23rd September

Police will take no further action after a year-long fraud probe in Glastonbury. Leonardo has chosen Somerset for its first international future talent programme. Three motorway services in Somerset have been rated as some of the worst in the country ... and more.
Tuesday 22nd September

Children with special needs could have a better chance of moving to a new school, without delay or disruption. A former Castle Cary pub is to be turned into a private house. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre may have to close at the end of next month... and more.