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.
Farmers in Somerset are being asked not to leave roads covered in mud following an accident near Ilminster A liver screening project developed in Somerset could be rolled out across the UK. Senior managers at Somerset Council have been awarded a 2.5 per cent pay rise...and more
A South Petherton man has appeared in court charged with four counts of assaulting police officers. Public Health officials in Somerset have welcomed the news that an improved anti-smoking pill will be available locally on the NHS. A Royal Navy Commander, based at RNAS Yeovilton, has raised £4,000 for Help the Heroes with a world record attempt...and more
New figures have shown a sharp rise in crime in Chard in the last six months. A retired RAF pilot in Somerset has been speaking about the joys of being a foster parent at the age of 88. Councillor Pauline Parsons has been honoured for her 40 years service to the local community...and more
A man has been arrested in connection with an unlicensed music event held near Bruton. Police are appealing for witnesses to a crash involving a tractor and car in Yeovil. Accommodation providers are being urged to put themselves forward to provide lodgings to actors and film crews visiting Somerset...and more
The Leader of Yeovil Town Council is calling on the public to treat the town centre with more respect. Somerset Waste Partnership is asking householders not put blister packs or, pill packets as they’re called, out for recycling. Police are appealing for witnesses to a crash near Ilminster in which a learner motorcyclist was seriously injured .... and more
Somerset Council says 900 miles of the County’s roads will be gritted on a regular basis this winter. Work will start soon to strengthen Chard Reservoir to protect local communities from flooding. The first advent calendar produced by the charity Mind in Somerset has gone on sale...and more
St Margaret's Hospice says increased employer’s national insurance contributions will cost them an extra £300,000 a year. A man has been arrested after more than 200 cannabis plants were found in a Yeovil property. Voting will take place on November 21st in the Blackmore Vale to fill a vacant seat on Somerset Council...and more
The A303 between Ilchester and Sparkford can now be used as a dual carriageway for the first time. People living in rural parts of South Somerset may not get high-speed broadband until 2027. Plans have been submitted to build 150 new homes on the site of the former Horlicks Factory in Ilminster...and more