Wednesday 6th March

Wednesday, 6 March 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Forty new homes will be built in South Petherton despite strong local objections. Four people have been charged as part of an investigation into a drugs line between Somerset and Manchester. A Yeovil primary school has won a national nature award for the second year running...and more.

The go ahead has been given to build forty new homes in South Petherton despite strong local objections. The development off Silver Lane will include fourteen ‘affordable’ homes. Local people claimed the site was not suitable for building and would create a dangerous junction at Hospital Lane. The application was approved by members of Somerset Council’s South Planning Committee by just one vote.

Four people have been charged as part of an investigation into a drugs line between Somerset and Manchester in a joint operation between Avon and Somerset and Greater Manchester police. Appearing at Taunton Magistrates’ Court, the three adults and teenager were charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. A full hearing against all four will be heard at Taunton Crown Court on Friday, March 29th.

The Acting Dean of Wells Cathedral has been justifying their decision to start charging visitors an entry fee to the cathedral. The Venerable Anne Gell was speaking about the fourteen-pound charge being introduced in April. She says the money is essential to help maintain the building which costs around four thousand pounds every day to run.

The production company behind the TV show Junior Bake Off says it's looking for applicants from Somerset for the next series. Love Productions, which is also behind the main Great British Bake Off, says it would like to hear from boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 who have a love of baking. Applications can be filled out online and the deadline is Sunday 17th March.

A Yeovil primary school has won a national nature award for the second year running. Tintinhull Primary is one of twenty-five schools in England to be given the ‘Let’s Go Zero Award’ by the Ovo Foundation. It includes a £200 prize, which will be invested into transforming a section of the school grounds into a wildflower meadow.

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