Local News Thursday 6th October

Thursday, 6 October 2022 06:00

Bus workers in Somerset are to take strike action next week, in a continuing row over pay and conditions. People living in the village of Hatch Beauchamp are calling for the scrapping of plans to turn the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton into a four-lane expressway. A Yeovil man’s been jailed for throwing bleach and other items at police during a five-hour siege. There’s been a big increase in abandoned pets in Somerset...and more.

Bus workers in Somerset are to take strike action next week, in a continuing row over pay and conditions. The RMT union has notified bus operators that its members will stop work on the 10th and 21st of October and the 4th and 11th of November. Meanwhile, strike action is taking place on the railways for the rest of the week causing significant disruption to travellers in Somerset. No trains ran in the county yesterday and up until Saturday, only a limited service will operate.

People living in the village of Hatch Beauchamp are calling for the scrapping of plans to turn the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton into a four-lane expressway. Yesterday, they staged a protest at a meeting of Somerset County Council describing the plan by National Highways as “overkill” and claiming it would bisect local communities.

A Yeovil man’s been jailed for throwing bleach and other items at police during a five-hour siege. Taunton Crown Court was told that William Price threw bleach at an officer after he’d taken over his ex-partner's property by locking her out. Some of the liquid made contact with the officer's face, narrowly missing his eyes. Price, of West Coker Road, admitted affray and was sent to prison for 14 months.

There’s been a big increase in abandoned pets in Somerset. The RSPCA says that compared to this time last year, the number of pets abandoned by owners has risen by a quarter. The charity says the cost of living crisis has led to fewer people being able to look after their pets.

Taunton is to get a town council for the first time in 50 years. Taunton has been the only part of Somerset without a town or parish council. Elections to fill the twenty seats on the new authority will be held in May next year.

The A303 Ilminster by-pass is due to close overnight for four nights later this month. The closure takes place on October 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st between 9 pm and 6 am with a diversion in operation. It’s to allow for repair work to take place along the entire length of the by-pass.

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