Wednesday 20th November

Wednesday, 20 November 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, says he’ll vote in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill when it comes before Parliament later this month. Manor Court Primary School in Chard has been rated as ‘good’ following an OFSTED inspection. Forty-nine new homes are to be built at Broadway Hill in Horton, near Ilminster, following a successful planning appeal...and more

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, says he’ll vote in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill when it comes before Parliament later this month. If the Bill is passed, it will allow adults who are terminally ill to end their own life, subject to safeguards, A free vote on the bill will take place in Parliament on Friday, November 29th.

Farmers from Somerset joined thousands of others from across the country at yesterday’s demonstration in London against changes to inheritance tax rules. It was held in protest at the government’s plan to charge a 20 percent inheritance tax on farms, worth more than a million pounds when they are passed on within families. Sir Keir Starmer says he understands the plan is causing concern but will not change it.

Manor Court Primary School in Chard has been rated as ‘good’ following an OFSTED inspection. The school was praised for supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with special needs and for providing exceptional education and care to all its pupils.

Forty-nine new homes are to be built at Broadway Hill in Horton, near Ilminster, following a successful planning appeal. Somerset Council’s planning committee south voted to refuse the plans claiming the homes would amount to “over-development” and put a strain on local services. But following an appeal by developers Galion, the Council’s decision has been overturned. A separate appeal, arguing for the Council to pay Galion’s legal costs due to “unreasonable behaviour”, was dismissed.

Wessex Water is carrying out essential sewer renovation work in Ilminster all this week and over the next three weeks. Two-way traffic lights will be operating on the High Street, where the work is being carried out causing delays for motorists getting in and out of Ilminster town centre.

The A303 will be shut westbound between Ilchester and the Cartgate roundabout this evening from 8 pm to 6 am tomorrow for white-lining work. Diversions will be in operation via the A37 and A3088.

A darts tournament is being held in memory of a popular pub landlord in Chard. Organised by Chard and District Darts League in memory of Steven Jones, who was the landlord of the Phoenix Hotel, it takes place at the pub on Saturday, December 28th. There’s a £5 entrance fee, with all money raised going to Alopecia UK.

More from News

Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.