Wednesday 15th May

Wednesday, 15 May 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council seeking to save £40 million by cutting one thousand jobs says 201 employees have so far applied to leave the authority based on voluntary redundancy. East Somerset Railway near Shepton Mallet has been used for filming the TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper's novel Rivals. An old-style red phone box in Castle Cary is being turned into Somerset's smallest museum...and more

Somerset Council seeking to save £40 million by cutting one thousand jobs says 201 employees have so far applied to leave the authority based on voluntary redundancy. The Council has allocated eight million pounds to cover the costs of the first round of redundancies with more employees coming forward to take voluntary redundancy when round two of the jobs cut programme launches. At a meeting of Somerset Council next week, members are being asked to approve redundancy payments to an initial forty-nine employees of up to £100,000 each.

Somerset’s mobile reuse initiative Fixy has been recognised for encouraging the repair and reuse of broken electrical items. The project, which is managed by Resource Futures in partnership with Somerset Council and Donate IT, has been shortlisted in the Reuse Initiative of the Year category at the Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management.

East Somerset Railway near Shepton Mallet has been used for filming the TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper's novel Rivals. The eight-part series is expected to air on Disney Plus later in the year.

Tennis lovers are being given the opportunity to play for free at Chard Tennis Club this weekend. Free use of the courts at Chard Tennis Club is offered as part of an Open Day at the Club premises in Zembard Lane on Saturday.

An old-style phone box in Castle Cary has been saved from demolition. The traditional red phone box dating from is being turned into Somerset's smallest museum, exhibiting items of historical interest about Castle Cary.

Members of the Leonardo Armed Forces Network Group have been visiting NavyWings at RNAS Yeovilton. The group was there to reflect on this year’s 80th anniversary of VE Day. Amongst the aircraft at NavyWings is a Westland Wasp; a first-generation jet engine helicopter built for the Royal Navy and a heritage product of Leonardo.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more