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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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