Friday 15th November

Friday, 15 November 2024 05:00

By Steve Haigh

National Highways says the scheme to dual the A303 between Ilchester and Sparkford has been designed in the interests of motorists, horse riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. An investigation has been launched after a teenage girl was forced into a car in Wincanton. The number of children in Somerset being home-educated has nearly doubled since the Covid pandemic...and more

National Highways says the scheme to dual the A303 between Ilchester and Sparkford has been designed to benefit motorists, horse riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. Along the three-and-a-half-mile stretch of new highway, National Highways has included specially designed access points to make the area safer for horse riders, cyclists, and pedestrians.

An investigation has been launched after a teenage girl was forced into a car in Wincanton. It happened just after half past ten last Tuesday night. The girl was followed by a car near the junction of The Batch and Shadwell Lane. She was grabbed and bundled into the car but managed to escape and run away. The car is described as a dark-coloured, five-door hatchback. If you witnessed the incident or have information that would help the police, you’re asked to please call the non-emergency number 101.

The number of children in Somerset being home-educated has nearly doubled since the Covid pandemic. New data show that in the last four years, the number of children being home-schooled in Somerset has risen from 477 to nearly 900. The Children's Commissioner has expressed her shock at the figures, claiming it’s because children’s needs aren't being met by mainstream schools.

Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke has expressed disappointment over delays rolling out rural fibre broadband in parts of her constituency. Fibre installer, Airband, had aimed to deliver high-speed broadband to more than 55,000 premises in rural Somerset and Devon by the end of this year but now says only 27,000 premises will be connected. Speaking in the House of Commons, Sarah Dyke called on the government to ensure the interests of rural communities, that depend on broadband access for economic and social well-being, are properly listened to.

And, how would you fancy dressing up as Father Christmas to help set a world record? Clark’s Village in Street is planning an attempt on the record for the most Father Christmas skating on an ice rink at any one time, using the ice rink that has been opened for the festive season at the shopping outlet.

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Wednesday 16th July

A children’s play area in Ilminster has been closed on safety grounds after badger setts were found on the land. Somerset Council sold off £90m of property assets last year to help fight off bankruptcy. Crewkerne Community Hospital could be turned into a neighbourhood health centre...and more.
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Thursday 10th July

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Wednesday 9th July

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