Local News Friday 3rd September

Friday, 3 September 2021 06:00

A family from Stoford is searching for a man who they say saved their son from drowning after he fell into the River Stour at Sturminster Newton. A consultation has opened on plans to relocate the bus stop in the Borough, Yeovil. Views are being sought on which major roads in Somerset should be upgraded. Work on building 70 new homes in Templecombe will start next month...and more.

A family from Stoford near Yeovil are searching for a man who they say saved their son from drowning after he fell into the River Stour at Sturminster Newton. Jackson Gardiner, aged 9, was swept away by strong undercurrents and was struggling to breathe in the incident on Wednesday, August 25th. His parents say if it hadn’t been for the man diving into the water to rescue Jackson he would most likely have not survived. They believe the man may have military connections and are asking him to come forward so they can thank him properly for his brave actions.

A consultation has opened on plans to relocate the bus stop in the Borough next to the War Memorial in Yeovil town centre to South Street, next to the Library. South Somerset District Council wants to make the change to reduce the dominance of traffic on the High Street as part of the Yeovil Refresh which aims to regenerate the town centre. Meanwhile, Westminster Street will be the first area of the town centre to be improved as part of Yeovil Refresh when work starts to partially pedestrianise the road, the week commencing September 20th.

Views are being sought on which major roads in Somerset should be upgraded. National Highways, formerly known as Highways England, has begun work on dualling the A303 between Sparkford and Podimore, with further public consultation planned this autumn on the proposed dualling of the A358 between Taunton and Ilminster. The agency is now asking people to say what other roads in Somerset they would like to see upgraded, ahead of the publication of the government's next road investment strategy.

Work on building 70 new homes in Templecombe will start next month. The development at Slades Hill will consist of three, four and five-bedroom homes with 35 per cent being affordable housing. A public open space will be created, together with land set aside for the expansion of a nearby primary school.

Details have been announced of this year’s Somerset Business Awards. The event, organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, recognises the best of businesses across all sectors in Somerset. A new award called ‘Rebuild and Thrive’ has been introduced this year to recognize businesses that responded to adversity, whether that was Brexit, Covid-19, or something else.

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Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
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