Local News Thursday 14th August

Thursday, 15 August 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Businesses in Somerset are being warned about not asking for identification when selling age-restricted goods. The Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard says it needs to raise a further £30,000 to keep its animals safe. Somerset has been ranked among the UK's best places to live...and more.

Businesses in Somerset are being warned about not asking for identification when selling age-restricted goods such as vapes, tobacco and alcohol. It follows the prosecution of a shopkeeper in Bridgwater, ordered to pay more than £3500 after being caught selling vapes to a 15-year-old girl. Trading Standards says shopkeepers who don’t follow the regulations are putting their livelihoods at risk.

Somerset has been ranked among the UK's best places to live. In a survey compiled by the property website, Home Views, the county was ranked the tenth best place to live in Britain. Home Views put the average house price in Somerset at £392,800, and the average rent at £1,350 per calendar month.

The Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard says it needs to raise a further £30,000 to keep its animals safe. Earlier in the year, the charity launched an appeal to raise £100,000 saying it was at risk of closure. £67,000 has been collected with another £33,000 needed to reach the target. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for 300 animals but says its running costs have risen substantially with veterinary bills alone costing £6,300 monthly.

A cider maker in Long Sutton has been shortlisted for a national prize. Harry's Cider is one of five producers to make to the finals in the Family Farming Business of the Year category of the British Farming Awards 2024 with the winner announced in October.

Police are looking for a woman with links to Cheddar who's wanted on recall to prison. Katie Nolan, 37, is also wanted on a court warrant. She's described as white, 5ft 1 and has shoulder-length brown hair.

The National Trust has opened new outdoor play areas at two properties in South Somerset. A hammock swing, rope traverse, and stepping logs have been introduced at Lytes Cary Manor while at Montecute House, a new slide and stepping logs have been installed, close to the picnic area, off West Drive.

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Monday 8th December

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Friday 5th December

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Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

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Tuesday 2nd December

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a serious assault in Wincanton. Fire crews have dealt with a house fire in the village of Pitney. Plans have been submitted to redevelop Bridgwater Docks into a cultural and tourist destination. Ilminster's annual Christmas tree festival has opened in the town...and more
Monday 1st December

New figures show that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area rose by 8% in the year to June. South Western Railway has restarted running hourly services through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne following months of disruption. Persimmon Homes South West has donated £1500 towards the running costs of Castle Cary Rugby Club...and more
Friday 28th November

Somerset Council has failed to stop 150 homes being built in Crewkerne. Posters of a drag act coming to Somerset, displayed in Shepton Mallet, have been vandalised. Avon and Somerset police are using proceeds from drug crime to fund community projects...and more,