Local News Monday 19th June

Monday, 19 June 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police has described her force as being "institutionally racist". Plans have been submitted to open two new restaurants in Yeovil town centre. Waste collections across South Somerset are starting one hour earlier at 6 am all this week to help crews cope better with the hot temperatures...and more.

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police has described her force as being "institutionally racist". Sarah Crew says she’s reached her judgement after closely examining data about how her force operates. The Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, has refuted her comments, describing them as "virtue signalling but Ms Crew says she’s sticking by her assessment.

Plans have been submitted to open two new restaurants in Yeovil. If approved by Somerset Council, the burger chain, Fat Twins, and the Greek and Turkish cuisine specialists, Doner and Gyros, will open outlets below the Premier Inn on South Western Terrace.

Waste collections across South Somerset are starting one hour earlier at 6 am all this week with households asked to put out their bins the night before they’re due to be picked up. Somerset Waste Partnership says the earlier start is to help crews cope better in the hot weather and minimise the chances of crews getting stuck in traffic going to Glastonbury Festival.

Organisers of the Gert Gathering in Yeovil have been explaining why they’ll be charging an admission fee at this year's event. Previously, the Gert Gathering, held in Johnson Park, has been a free event but this year a five-pound entry fee will be charged.

Local broadband provider, Wessex Internet, are celebrating after winning two top industry awards. The business was voted ‘UK Fibre Provider of the Year’ and ‘Best Rural Provider’ at the UK Fibre Awards held in London.

‘Star’ the missing therapy pony, who disappeared from her home on the Blackdown Hills in South Somerset last week has been found safe and well. The Shetland's owner, Anne Allen, from the Riding for the Disabled Association, says they’re relieved to have her back.

More from News

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