Wednesday 7th February

Wednesday, 7 February 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Government has told Somerset Council that it can't put up its share of the Council Tax by 10%. Dozens of jobs have been safeguarded at Thales UK in Templecombe following the award of a major government contract. Plans have been passed to build a block of flats at Grimsby Corner on Wyndham Street in Yeovil...and more.

The Government has turned down a request by Somerset Council to increase its share of the Council Tax by 10 percent. The Council, which has to cut spending by £100 million to avoid going bust, wanted to impose the 10 percent increase without a referendum. Somerset Council’s share of the Council Tax will now rise by the maximum allowed of 5 percent.

Dozens of jobs have been safeguarded at Thales UK in Templecombe following the award of a major government contract. The order worth £1.85 billion is to supply the Royal Navy with sonar, periscopes, and electronic warfare equipment and will also protect jobs at Thales UK in Plymouth and Bristol. It’s thought up to 20 new jobs could be created in Templecombe, with around 100 jobs created at businesses that supply Thales.

The go-ahead’s been given to build 100 new homes in the village of Coat near Martock. The scheme will be on land opposite the recently completed Coat Grove estate of 120 properties. The developer is providing one million pounds for local school places, including £154,000 for the early years provision at Martock Primary School, £546,000 for the primary school's main provision and £348,000 to Stanchester Academy in the neighbouring village of Stoke-sub-Hamdon.

Police are trying to trace a man who visits Martock and Yeovil in connection with an enquiry into harassment. Luke Hansford, who’s 40, is described as white, 5ft 8 tall, of medium build with brown eyes and short brown hair. Anyone who sees him is asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

Plans have been passed to build a block of flats at Grimsby Corner on Wyndham Street in Yeovil. Numbers 18 to 21 Wyndham Street will be demolished and replaced with a six-storey block, comprising of forty-two one-bedroom and six two-bedroom flats. Vehicular access to the complex will be via Earle Street, with five parking spaces and 54 cycle spaces provided within the site.

An event is being held in Chard to give residents and business owners a say in shaping the town’s future. The ‘Your Town, Your Community, Your Choice’ event takes place over two days on Monday, February 26, and Tuesday, February 27 at Chard Guildhall from 5.30 pm to 7 pm.

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Thursday 18th December

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Wednesday 17th December

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Tuesday 14th December

New data shows that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area is at an all-time high. Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard has issued a warning to prospective pet owners ahead of Christmas. The owner of four pubs in Somerset has warned that many could be forced to shut unless the government reconsiders business rates...and more.
Monday 15th December

Toolstream in Yeovil has been put into administration, threatening the jobs of dozens of employees. NHS Somerset has issued a last chance call for people to get a flu jab after hospital admissions increased by 76% in a week. Police are investigating the theft of a bike valued at £7,000 in Sherborne... and more
Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

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