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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Thursday 18th September

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road accident in Chard in which a 13-year-old boy fell from an e-scooter. People in Somerset are being asked for their views on building a second reservoir in Cheddar. A new exhibition celebrating 200 years of shoemaking in Somerset opens in Street today...and more.
Wednesday 17th September

The Environment Agency is being urged to rethink its decision to stop maintaining smaller rivers and streams in Somerset. South Western Railway, which runs trains through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne, has issued body cameras to more of its staff. Twelve new neighbourhood officers have joined Avon and Somerset Police...and more
Tuesday 17th September

Plans have been submitted to build 61 new homes between Montacute and Stoke-sub-Hamdon. Organisers of Langport Triathlon say it’ll be a few more days before they’re able to give out the results in the cycling section following a medical emergency in the crowd at Sunday's event. A new town crier is wanted in Wells...and more.
Monday 15th September

NHS Somerset says it’s 'fully committed' to re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital, but won't say when it will reopen. Water levels at Somerset's reservoirs have dropped below 50%, despite the recent heavy rain. A charity shop in Martock has reunited a long-lost compass with its owner after he lost it 70 years ago...and more
Friday 12th September

One of Somerset's most prominent horse trainers says planned tax increases on remote betting could be a ‘nail in the coffin’ for horse racing. An Ilchester man has been arrested in connection with a burglary in West Dorset. Somerset Council’s Chief Executive and other senior officers have been given a 3.2% pay rise...and more
Thursday 11th September

A bill put forward by Yeovil MP Adam Dance, calling for better awareness of pupil neurodivergent behaviour in schools, has passed its first reading in the Commons. Around 40 thousand people in Somerset could have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Dozens of bikers will take to the roads in Somerset this weekend in support of a breast cancer charity...and more
Wednesday 10th September

Yeovil Town Football Club has been given a two-year extension to buy back Huish Park from Somerset Council. A takeaway business in Bridgwater has been stripped of its licence after three employees were discovered working there illegally. A company in South Chard has been celebrating its 200th anniversary...and more
Tuesday 9th September

People are being asked to comment on proposals to introduce Sunday charges at Somerset Council-run car parks. A Pilton man has been jailed after cannabis valued at £28,500 was found at his home. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has started an appeal to raise £1 million...and more.