Local News Tuesday 21st March

    A report by the Federation of Small Business in Somerset says half its members are struggling because they're not being paid on time. A special meeting of Chard Town Council is to be held to consider making public a report into allegations of bullying at the Council. Plans have been approved for a new fitness and wellbeing centre in Bruton. Last year’s Christmas panto at the Octagon in Yeovil has been nominated for four national awards...and more.

    A report by the Federation of Small Business in Somerset is warning that half its members are struggling because they're not being paid on time. It comes as many are also facing pressure from rising energy costs. 

    A special meeting of Chard Town Council is to be held on March 29th to consider making public a report into allegations of bullying at the Council. It’s understood the report will contain the findings of an independent investigation into alleged incidents of bullying made by former town clerks and other members of staff at Chard Town Council.

    Somerset veterans of the Iraq invasion are being urged to come forward for help if they're struggling. This week marks the 20th anniversary of the invasion with support being offered by the Royal Marines Charity.

    There's disruption across the rail network in Somerset this week. Track upgrades by Network Rail mean that rail services won't be operating between Castle Cary and Taunton. 

    Plans have been approved for a new fitness and wellbeing centre in Bruton. South Somerset District Council has given permission for the enterprise to operate from a building previously used for storage behind Church Bridge Stores in Patwell Street in Bruton.

    Last year’s Christmas panto at the Octagon in Yeovil has been nominated for four national awards. ‘Dick Whittington’, produced by Evolution Productions, could win Best Pantomime, Best Contribution to Music, Best Choreography and Best Lighting Design at the national Pantomime Awards 2023 that take place in London on April 11th.

    More from News

    • Monday 20th January

      Somerset Council says a government review of adult social care could cause the Council to go bankrupt. A pilot scheme in Somerset aimed at cutting hospital admissions to A&E by the most vulnerable patients has shown a 50 per cent reduction in visits. Somerset celebrity chef Josh Eggleton is converting a double-decker bus to help promote healthier eating in schools...and more.

    • Friday 17th January

      Bruton Primary School is the latest to have a barrier installed outside the school to stop parents parking when dropping off and picking up children. A man has appeared in court charged with being drunk and disorderly at Yeovil Hospital. A veteran of World War Two in Castle Cary has been awarded France’s highest military and civil distinction...and more

    • Thursday 16th January

      A Chard woman has appeared in court after driving her car towards a crowd of people who, she claimed, were causing a disturbance. Crewkerne residents will soon be provided with a new banking hub. Work has started removing 14 trees along the embankment of Chard Reservoir...and more

    • Wednesday 15th January

      A Yeovil man has been arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child. A Community Fridge in Shepton Mallet says it saved ten tonnes of unwanted food from going to landfill in the run-up to Christmas. Somerset Council has started collecting empty toothpaste tubes for recycling at the kerbside for the first time...and more

    • Tuesday 14th January

      Police are appealing for witnesses after two people died in a car crash near Shepton Mallet. A new passing loop could be introduced on the rail line between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill stations. St Margaret’s Hospice has thanked the public for making this year’s Christmas Tree Recycling project their most successful ever...and more

    • Monday 13th January

      Plans to build forty-six new homes in Castle Cary have been rejected for a third time. Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has no plans to step down from his dual role as a member of Somerset Council. Rug Ratz in Yeovil is closing permanently today, leaving the town without a children's soft play space...and more.

    • Friday 10th January

      Yeovil Hospital has declared a critical incident due to a sharp rise in flu admissions putting pressure on bed spaces. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, joined campaigners and colleagues in Downing Street this week to hand in a petition calling for action to tackle the shortage of NHS dentists. Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been replaced as England's Red Roses captain for 2025 season... and more

    • Thursday 9th January 

      Police say three children, missing from their home in Essex, have been found safe and well in Wincanton. Yeovil Hospital is asking visitors to A&E to wear facemasks to help avoid the spread of infection. Long traffic queues can be expected in Chard over the next nine months. A new arts and music performance space has opened in Crewkerne...and more.

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

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      High: 7°C | Low: 3°C

    • Chard

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    • Crewkerne

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      High: 7°C | Low: 3°C

    • Somerton

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    • Wincanton

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      High: 7°C | Low: 3°C

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