Local News Thursday 18th March

Thursday, 18 March 2021 07:30

Controversial plans to restructure the school system in Ilminster and Crewkerne have finally been approved by Somerset County Council. Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh has been defending the government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. Firefighters have rescued a dog after it became stuck down a rabbit hole in Martock....and more.

Controversial plans to restructure the school system in Ilminster and Crewkerne have finally been approved by Somerset County Council. Wadham School will become a secondary school; Maiden Beech, Ashlands, St Bartholomew’s, Merriott and Haselbury Plucknett will become primary schools; Swanmead and Greenfylde will amalgamate and become a primary school and Misterton school is set to close. Governors at Swanmead said they are "shocked, angry and very sad" about the way the plans have been handled by the County Council. The Council said all views had been considered and their priority was to secure a high-quality education for all pupils.

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh has been defending the government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
The legislation’s been criticised for not doing enough to tackle harassment and violence against women. Clauses in the Bill allowing police to impose conditions on non-violent protests have also been criticised. Marcus Fysh believes the Bill has many good points and should be welcomed.

Firefighters have rescued a dog after it became stuck down a rabbit hole in Martock. Listening equipment was used to locate Lincoln, a terrier dog after it got into trouble underground in Gastons Lane.

The funeral takes place today of Yeovil entertainer Jimmy Quinn. After service in the Navy, Jimmy turned to show business and is remembered for recording the Yeovil Town anthem ‘Here We Go’ played throughout the season the Glovers won promotion to the Championship in 2013

The Bishop of Bath and Wells has retired early from his post, due to ill health. The Right Reverend Peter Hancock has been receiving treatment for cancer since August. Until his successor has been appointed, the Bishop of Taunton, Ruth Worsley, will continue to lead the diocese.

Ilminster Midsummer Experience will be back-on this year. It’ll be held from June 24th until June 27th, two weeks later than normal due to coronavirus restrictions. The Ilminster Flag Festival has been extended and will run from May 31st until July 4th.

Radio Ninesprings Local News is compiled and edited by our Station Manager Steve Haigh

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Thursday 25th April

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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.
Tuesday 23rd April

Two teenage boys have admitted animal cruelty after filming themselves throwing a lamb down a stone staircase at Montacute. Somerset Council could lose around £5 million by selling the Marks and Spencer building in Yeovil. Chard, Wincanton, Castle Cary and Ansford are on a list of fifteen places in Somerset where new 20 mph speed limits could soon be introduced...and more.
Monday 22nd April

The parents of a two-week-old baby boy, accused of his murder at Yeovil Hospital, are to stand trial. Protesters have splashed red paint across the front of County Hall in Taunton for a second time. A comedy film about the world of competitive marrow-growing and made in Shepton Mallet has opened in cinemas across the UK...and more.
Friday 19th April

Work starts today building a new eastbound carriageway as part of dualling the A303 between Sparkford and Podimore. A childhood obesity clinic in Somerset has revealed that it is treating children as young as eight months old. Somerset Wildlife Trust has launched a campaign to recruit an army of young people to act as conservation champions...and more.
Thursday 18th April

A Martock man has been jailed after admitting to shining lasers at aircraft flying over Yeovil. Police are investigating an attempted break-in at the TK Maxx store at Babylon Hill. Nearly four hundred people have put their names forward for redundancy at Somerset Council...and more.
Wednesday 17 April

Three local primary schools have been named on a list of England's top five hundred primary schools. A new co-working space for businesswomen has opened in Wincanton. Urgent repairs are being carried out to Ilminster's new public clock after it started showing the wrong time...and more