Local News Thursday 16th September

Thursday, 16 September 2021 06:00

Former Leader of South Somerset District Council, Rick Pallister, has been giving evidence at his trial at Taunton Crown Court. Children aged 12-to-15 in Somerset are to be offered a coronavirus vaccine starting from next week. ASDA has submitted a planning application to redevelop part of their Yeovil store. Two men have appeared in court in connection with the supply of class A drugs in Yeovil...and more.

Former Leader of South Somerset District Council, Rick Pallister, has been giving evidence at his trial at Taunton Crown Court. Mr. Pallister, who denies 36 charges of alleged historic indecent assault and indecency with a child told the court he believed all contact with the alleged victims was "entirely consensual". He said he had no memory of some of the incidents described by the complainants taking place, and said several more did not take place "as described". He also flatly denied making any inappropriate contact with any of the complainants while they were under the age of 16. The case continues. (Story courtesy of Somerset Live).

Children aged 12-to-15 in Somerset are to be offered a coronavirus vaccine starting from next week. They will need the consent of their parents to receive the jab, which will be given at school. Pupils will also be able to receive a flu vaccine, in the form of a nasal spray, at the same time.

ASDA has submitted a planning application to redevelop part of their Yeovil store. The supermarket chain wants to add a new click and collect pod and drive-thru facility to the site on Preston Road. ASDA maintains the proposed changes would "have minimal impact on the visual effect of the building and on the scale of the site”. A decision on the application will now be made by South Somerset District Council.

Two men have appeared in court in connection with the supply of class A drugs in Yeovil. Lemel Plomer-Roberts from South Norwood in London and Shane Ricketts from Croydon are charged with conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin. They were remanded in custody until their next court hearing at Taunton Crown Court on October 11th.

Events are taking place in Chard this week to celebrate the town’s proud history. ‘Heritage Week Chard’ includes an event about the town during the Second World War and the history of Chard Reservoir.

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Thursday 17th July

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Wednesday 16th July

A children’s play area in Ilminster has been closed on safety grounds after badger setts were found on the land. Somerset Council sold off £90m of property assets last year to help fight off bankruptcy. Crewkerne Community Hospital could be turned into a neighbourhood health centre...and more.
Tuesday 15th July

The fire service has blamed a discarded portable barbecue for starting a blaze at Ham Hill Country Park. A care home for people with autism and complex needs in Crewkerne has been rated 'good'. A seven-year-old Yeovil boy has set a new world record for completing the most number of consecutive sit-ups for his age group...and more
Monday 14th July

Somerset Council is warning motorists against scanning QR codes at its car parks payment meters. Chard Town Council is spending £10,000 on short-term youth provision over the summer months. Former Yeovil Town player Marcus Stewart says he wants to continue raising money towards finding a cure for motor neurone disease...and more.
Friday 10th July

A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.
Thursday 10th July

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Wednesday 9th July

Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.