Local News Monday 24th May

Monday, 24 May 2021 06:58

The leader of Somerset County Council, David Fothergill, has criticised a poll being held about the plans to reorganise local government in the County. Land on the outskirts of Yeovil, linked to building a "garden town" has been put up for sale. The Mill on the Brue outdoor centre in Bruton has started to welcome back children following the latest easing of lockdown restrictions. A popular pub near Yeovil has been put up for sale..and more.

The leader of Somerset County Council, David Fothergill, has criticised a poll being held about the plans to reorganise local government in the County. The ballot, organised by Somerset's four district councils, and costing more than 300 thousand pounds, is to give people the opportunity to choose between having one council to run all services across Somerset or two councils – one based on the western half of the county, the other on the eastern side, including Yeovil and the rest of South Somerset. Speaking on behalf of the district councils, who are behind the two councils' proposition – Ros Wyke of Mendip Council says the ballot is needed to make the process for changing local government in Somerset more democratic.

Land on the outskirts of Yeovil, linked to building a "garden town" has been put up for sale. The 678-acre site near Podimore alongside the A303 is being offered with a guide price of £6.8 million. The proposed new rural town, featuring a shopping centre and a university at the location, was first muted 3 years ago. But, as yet, no formal planning application has been submitted. Agents, Strutt and Parker, who are marketing the location, have set a closing date of this Friday, May 28th, for submitting bids.

The Mill on the Brue outdoor centre in Bruton has started to welcome back children following the latest easing of lockdown restrictions. The centre says it’s lost around one million pounds in income over the last 14 months. Owner, Tricia Rawlingson-Plant, says some restrictions remain but even so, they’re glad to be operating again.

A popular pub near Yeovil has been put up for sale. Offers are being invited to take over running the Carpenter's Arms in Chilthorne Domer, which is described as an established food-led business with a substantial turnover pre COVID-19.

If you're heading to the shops today, the charge for single-use plastic carrier bags at all retailer outlets has gone up to ten pence. The original five pence charge was brought in 6-years and in that time plastic bag, usage has decreased by 95 percent.

People needing to find public conveniences in Castle Castle are to be given more help. The Town Council plan to make the toilet block in Milbrook Gardens more recognisable with the addition of four external non-illuminated fascia signs at the front of the building.

More from News

Friday 3rd May

Labour’s Clare Moody is the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset. Somerset Council is looking to buy the Glovers Walk Shopping Centre in Yeovil, including Yeovil Bus Station. One of the biggest events in Yeovil’s outdoor calendar, the Abbey Hill Steam Rally, starts today...and more.
Thursday 2nd May

Voting is taking place today to elect a new Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset. NHS Somerset says the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital will stay open until a new replacement unit is built in Dorchester. A supermarket worker has retired after spending 52 years working at the same store in Ilminster...and more.
Wednesday 1st May

SUEZ, the company that collects Somerset’s waste is warning it may cease operations. Twenty thousand pounds is being spent cleaning red paint off the front of County Hall in Taunton following a series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations. An occupational therapist at Yeovil Hospital has won an award for her smart appearance at work...and more.
Tuesday 30th April

Somerset Council is taking legal action to remove an arms company from one of its commercial properties. Waste collection days across Somerset are set to change next month due to two impending bank holidays. An archaeological survey has begun on the proposed site of a new skate park in Bruton... and more.
Monday 29th April

Somerset’s busiest speed camera in 2023 has been revealed as the camera on the westbound carriageway of the A303 between the Podimore Roundabout and the Hazelgrove Roundabout. Bus campaigners are calling on Somerset Council to keep the public toilets open at Yeovil bus station. The funeral has taken place in Yeovil of D-Day veteran, Bill Tolley, who has died at the age of 97...and more.
Friday 26 April

A man has been arrested in Castle Cary and charged with stalking, harassment and making threats to kill. The NHS in Somerset says its staff retention rate has improved over the past two years. A farmer in South Petherton is preparing to cycle 1,000 miles to raise money for charity...and more.
Thursday 25th April

The NHS is offering spring COVID-19 vaccines to people in Somerset who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus. A new way of making roads safer for children in Somerset has started this week. A Yeovil-based apprentice has been named as a winner in the JTL Regional Awards. Haselbury Mill near Crewkerne has been put up for sale...and more
Wednesday 24th April

Yeovil Town FC have sent a strongly worded letter to the Football Association asking for plans to end FA Cup replays to be dropped. A Somerset woman who's spent the last 32 years living with Hepatitis C, says better support is needed for those affected by the contaminated blood scandal. A new school of musical theatre has opened in Chard...and more.