Friday 14th March

Friday, 14 March 2025 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Four Somerset businesses, including one in Yeovil, have been handed a total of £170,000 in civil penalties for employing illegal workers. National garage chain ATS Euromaster has closed its branch in Wincanton. A farmer in Wincanton is being hailed as a hero after rescuing his pigs from a burning barn...and more

Farmers in Somerset say the closure of a government-funded scheme is "another kick in the teeth". The Sustainable Farming Incentive, which pays farmers to deliver environmental benefits, was a key part of the post-Brexit payment scheme that replaced EU subsidies. The government says further applications to the scheme won’t be accepted. The National Farmers Union says it’s another example of the government 'slamming the door shut' on farmers.

Four Somerset businesses, including one in Yeovil, have been handed a total of £170,000 in civil penalties for employing illegal workers. The Mandarin Chinese Takeaway, run by Mandarin Dinner Limited, in Middle Street, Yeovil, was fined £40,000 for being a non-compliant employer. The Home Office define a non-compliant employer as one that employs a person without checking they have the correct immigration status to undertake work.

National garage chain ATS Euromaster has closed its branch in Wincanton. It’s one of 86 ATS outlets that have been shut since the start of the year. ATS Euromaster blames inflation and slow growth in the business for the closures.

Plans to build nine flats in Yeovil have been turned down. Studley Roofing Ltd had wanted to build an apartment block next to number 3 Everton Road together with a bin store, cycle store, and parking spaces. In rejecting the application, Somerset Council said the building would not integrate appropriately with its surroundings and cause harm to the character and appearance of the area.

The CEO of Visit Somerset is forecasting a better year for Somerset’s hospitality sector. John Turner thinks that world events and the cost of living will lead to more families booking holidays in the UK this summer, which should benefit Somerset.

A farmer in Wincanton is being hailed as a hero after rescuing his pigs from a burning barn. Roger Apsey's farm barn caught fire last weekend, threatening 12 piglets and their mother. The barn was destroyed but thankfully all of the animals - and Roger - got out safely.

More from News

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.
Thursday 17th April

The father of a one-month-old baby boy in Chard is to stand trial for the murder of his son. New figures show that just under 1300 crimes were reported to the Police in Yeovil during the final quarter of last year. A night in a prison cell is offered at Shepton Mallet Jail to those who want to be alone this Easter...and more.
Wednesday 16th April

Big changes are being made to where taxi ranks in Yeovil are located. Farmers are being told to keep an extra lookout for people acting suspiciously following the latest livestock theft near the Devon and Somerset border. Channel 4’s Location Location Location is coming to Somerset, with anyone looking to buy a property locally invited to apply to be in the show...and more
Tuesday 15th April

A 36-year-old man remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of a sexual assault in Yeovil. Yeovil Labour Club has had its drinks licence revoked. NHS Somerset has been taking its physiotherapy team around the county to cut waiting times for patients. A men-only cooking course has been launched in Sherborne with all ingredients and equipment provided free of charge...and more
Monday 14th April

A new banking hub has opened in Crewkerne. South Western Ambulance is asking people to only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency over the Easter weekend. £1.8 million is being spent improving walking and cycling routes around a major new housing development at Up Mudford in Yeovil...and more
Friday 11th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in Yeovil in which a man riding an e-bike was injured and later died in hospital. Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says the number of false alarm calls it receives is on the increase. A new micro-pub opens in Chard next week...and more