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

Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more