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 31st January

A teenager has been arrested following a stabbing in Yeovil. Water bills in Somerset are set to go up on average by £123 from April. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance will officially open Yeovil’s new outdoor performance space later today...and more
Thursday 30th January

Lloyds bank is closing its branch in Chard. A Sherborne man has been jailed after defrauding a Yeovil woman of £40,000. A volunteer group in Chard is urging people to sign up to a flood victims register. A councillor in Shepton Mallet has become the first Reform UK member on Somerset Council... and more
Wednesday 29th January

New mums in Somerset could soon be offered a cervical screening test six weeks after giving birth. Police are asking for help in finding a Yeovil man wanted on recall to prison. The government has given half a million pounds towards planting more trees in Somerset, including 100 new trees in Yeovil...and more
Tuesday 28th January

Work continues to clean up from the floods in Chard, Ilminster, Somerton, South Petherton, and parts of Yeovil. A man who threatened to kill a support worker at the mental health unit in Yeovil has been sentenced to a community order. A competition that gives new musicians the chance to play at this year's Glastonbury festival has opened for entries...and more
Monday 27th January

A major incident has been declared by Somerset Council to ensure a multi-agency response to the flash flooding that's affected Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, South Petherton and parts of Yeovil. Police believe a 4x4 pick-up truck, found submerged in the River Yeo at Yeovilton at the weekend, may have been stolen. An appeal to raise £2 million to restore the Grand Organ at Wells Cathedral has raised over £1 million in less than 18 months...and more
News Friday 24th January

Plans have been submitted to build a David Lloyd Health and Fitness Club in Yeovil. Carers in Somerset say spending cuts to mental health support services will be hugely damaging. People with memories of Somerset women's cricket side are being asked to take part in a project to preserve its history. Two of our local restaurants have been listed in the top 100 restaurants in the UK...and more
Thursday 23rd January

Yeovil Town Council has defended its decision to increase its share of the Council Tax by an average of £80. A man who drove an e-scooter in Yeovil while disqualified from driving has been jailed for six weeks. According to new data, the Yeovil driving test centre is the 12th easiest in the UK to pass a driving test...and more
Wednesday 22nd January

Somerset Council is to pay for fifty-bed spaces in nursing homes so that patients can be discharged from hospital quicker. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, is calling for improved disabled access at Pen Mill and Yeovil Junction railway stations. Crewkerne could soon get a new farm shop...and more.