Local News Thursday 1st September

Thursday, 1 September 2022 06:00

Building a new multi-million-pound police centre in Yeovil has been put on pause. The peat industry in Somerset is facing pressure because of a new law that comes into force in two years. South Somerset District Council has been explaining why people in Chard think the famous Stringfellow monument in the town centre has been wrongly reinstated and Avon and Somerset police are warning of a scam in which fraudsters trick people into sending money to someone they say is a family member in distress.

Building a new multi-million-pound police centre in Yeovil has been put on pause. Plans to redevelop the current Horsey Lane station with a new police centre have been in the pipeline since 2018. However, it now appears the plans could be scrapped with the Avon and Somerset police re-considering their requirements for policing across South Somerset. They say a firm decision will be made by no later than the Spring of next year.

The peat industry in Somerset is facing pressure because of a new law that comes into force in two years, banning the sale of peat at garden centres. The move’s designed to reduce the release of carbon emissions, with Somerset having the largest peat industry in the UK.

South Somerset District Council has been explaining why people in Chard think the famous Stringfellow monument in the town centre has been wrongly reinstated. The structure was taken down as part of street improvements on Fore Street and recently returned to its original location. But locals believe it’s been repositioned facing in a different direction. The Council says the only change has been placing a plaque on the side of the monument in a different position which has given the impression that the structure is facing in a different direction when, in fact, it’s facing in the same direction it always has faced.

Avon and Somerset police are warning of a scam in which fraudsters trick people into sending money to someone they say is a family member in distress. The messages usually come through a text or WhatsApp message. More than 180 reports of the scam have been reported to the local police so far this year.

More from News

Friday 3rd October

An investigation is underway following an incident involving a firearm in Yeovil. Yeovil Town Council has written to adjoining parish and town councils asking for a financial contribution towards re-opening the Octagon theatre. Two Somerset beauty spots have been recognised with a top award... and more
Thursday 2nd October

Councillors have voted to go ahead with taking out a loan of £3.3 million to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. A cafe owner in Yeovil has started a petition to stop Somerset Council from selling off public car parks in the town. Chard boxer, Brendon Moore, will compete for a new world title later this month ... and more
Wednesday 1st October

Local MP, Sarah Dyke, is calling for the introduction of a national caravan licensing and registration scheme. Members of 40 commando based in Somerset have started legal action after being given ear protection they say was faulty. Children at Hatch Beauchamp Primary School have held a coffee morning, raising £300 for Macmillan Cancer Support.... and more
Tuesday 30th September

The go-ahead has been given to build eighteen new homes in Curry Rivel. NHS Somerset is claiming positive results from a pilot scheme aimed at cutting waiting times. A fashion designer from Somerset has hit the heights by having his collection modelled at London Fashion Week..and more
Monday 29th September

A Yeovil woman, who’s visually impaired, says she’s had to stop using Pen Mill station because no staff are available. NHS Somerset says a final decision on the relaunch of maternity services at Yeovil Hospital will be made in October. A woman in Street is causing a stir on social media after putting up a Christmas tree at her home...and more
Friday 26th September

Lloyds Banking Group has announced that it is closing its Halifax branch in Yeovil. Avon and Somerset Chief Constable, Sarah Crew, is calling on the public to stand firm against hate. A helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton has been involved in tracking a Russian warship over the English Channel...and more.
Thursday 25th September

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident in Chard involving a car that was being chased by police. A new NHS eye treatment service has opened in Yeovil. People are being asked to help write a new Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Somerset...and more
Wednesday 24th September

Yeovil Town says the sudden departure of manager Danny Webb won't affect the club's long-term plans. The Somerset family of a teenage boy with special educational needs say they can’t afford to pay for the specialist transport he needs to take him to school. A Reform UK candidate has won a by-election for a seat on Chard Town Council...and more.