Local News Wednesday 10th August

Wednesday, 10 August 2022 06:00

Controversial plans to convert a former care home in Yeovil into a homeless hostel are due to be decided at a meeting tonight. A new report claims the freight industry in the southwest created over 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2019. Misterton Church of England First School is to re-open as an education centre for vulnerable children. A local motorist has been given a suspended prison sentence for drink driving and with the hot dry weather set to continue, more calls have been made to permanently ban disposable barbeques.

Controversial plans to convert a former care home in Yeovil into a homeless hostel are due to be decided at a meeting tonight. If the change of use is approved, Bournemouth Churches Housing Association will shut their current hostel in Newton Road in Yeovil town centre and convert the former Acacia Lodge care home on Henford Hill to accommodate thirty-nine homeless people. South Somerset District Council’s Area South Committee is being recommended the give the plans the go-ahead at tonight’s meeting. People who live in the area of Hendford Hill however are strongly opposed. They say a better solution would be to provide homeless people with accommodation in smaller units, spaced out around the town.

A new report claims the freight industry in the southwest created over 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2019. Twenty percent of those emissions were generated by empty lorries being driven on local roads. Lorna Hammond is Managing Director of Chard-based logistics firm C and D South West. She says they're trying to tackle emissions.

Misterton Church of England First School is to re-open as an education centre for vulnerable children. The school closed last year as part of controversial school reforms despite a campaign by local parents for it to be kept open. Pupils will attend lessons for two or three days each week, and spend the remaining time at mainstream schools.

A local motorist has been given a suspended prison sentence for drink driving. Caitlin Crisp of the High Street in West Coker was four times over the drink-drive limit when police found her slumped over the wheel of her car in Avishayes Road in Chard in July. Caitland, who pleaded guilty to the offence, was banned from driving for 32 months and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

With the hot dry weather set to continue, more calls have been made to permanently ban disposable barbeques. The Country, Land and Business Association is campaigning for all retailers to stop selling disposal barbeques to reduce the risk of wildfires.

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Tuesday 2nd September

An ex-Somerset MP who quit politics after allegations of sexual misconduct has died suddenly. The A378 in Langport has now reopened after extensive work. Crewkerne’s annual Charter Fair, which can be traced back to Saxon times, returns this weekend...and more.
Monday 1st September

The taps are back on in Yeovil, after large parts of the town were left without water on Friday. South Somerset is now considered the UK’s top alternative to the Cotswolds. Yeovil is gearing up for the return of its Literary Festival this October...and more.
Friday 29th August

The Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town. A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down... and more.
Thursday 28th August

A Marston Magna man who fell ill on holiday has died. A film of Yeovil’s fundraiser for famine relief is being screened tonight, forty years on. A South Somerset contestant has been ranked fifth place at the World’s Strongest Man (Natural) contest...and more.
Wednesday 27th August

Concerns are being raised over the maintenance of the River Cary, following reports of planned cutbacks. It could be an earlier harvest for Somerset cider growers this autumn after a warm summer. The Teals Farm Shop has revealed plans to broaden its services...and more.
Tuesday 26th August

An investigation is underway after a man was found seriously injured in the Queensway Place area of Yeovil . A man has been charged with murder following an incident in South Petherton. Yeovil Town FC have confirmed that Mark Cooper has been relieved of his duties... and more.
Friday 22nd August

Six hundred parking spaces could be lost in Yeovil town centre if plans to build new homes on public car parks go ahead. The Environment Agency is to stop maintaining some rivers and streams in Somerset to save money. People in Somerset are being warned about a scam involving fake communications from the tax authorities...and more
Thursday 21st August

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, says families and hospital staff should be given more information about re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital. Yeovil’s renal unit on the Lynx West Trading Estate has been told it must improve on safety. Organisers of a Live Aid concert held in Yeovil 40 years ago are trying to contact the bands that played at the event for a reunion...and more.