Wednesday 23rd October

Wednesday, 23 October 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A hoard of Norman coins, valued at £4.3 million, has been found in Somerset. A man has appeared in court after carrying out 24 separate shoplifting offences at a Chard supermarket. Two Somerset councils are considering a merger to save money. £3 million was spent by TV companies making films in Somerset last year...and more.

A hoard of Norman coins found in Somerset, dating back to the Norman Conquest, is to go on display at the British Museum followed by a tour of UK museums. The coins, found using metal detectors by seven finders in the Chew Valley in 2019 were later bought by South West Heritage Trust for £4.3 million, following a public appeal.

A man has appeared in court after carrying out 24 separate shoplifting offences at a Chard supermarket. Magistrates were told that Bradley Watson, aged 32, of no fixed address, stole the items valued at £4,250.00 from Sainsbury's to pay for drugs. Watson, who is also charged with breaking into Chard Rugby Club, will return to court on November 4th for sentencing.

£3 million was spent by film and TV companies making films in Somerset last year. Street and Shepton Mallet were two locations used for filming, including making Jilly Cooper’s blockbuster ‘Rivals’, currently showing on Disney Plus. Somerset Council says spending by film and TV companies supports jobs in the hotel and hospitality sector and, in the longer term, helps to boost tourism when Somerset is shown on screens.

Two Somerset councils are considering a merger to save money. If agreed, Langport Town Council and adjoining Huish Episcopi Parish Council will convert to one council. The proposal is out for consultation and those wanting to comment should contact Langport Town Council or Huish Episcopi Parish Council.

Horton Cross Nursing Home has been given a rating of "requires improvement" by the Care Quality Commission. In their report, the CQC rate the home "good" for being safe, caring, and responsive, but for being effective and well-led say improvements are required. Residents told inspectors they were "happy" at the home, while staff said they had confidence in the new management and were hopeful they would make the improvements needed.

Somerset Council is asking the public to name two new gritter lorries bought to help keep the County’s roads open this winter. Names suggested in an online poll include; Gritty Gritty Bang Bang, Spready Mercury, and Elsa. If you think you can do better, go to Somerset Council's website and enter your suggested name. Voting closes at 5 pm on Friday, October 25th.

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.