Local News Wednesday 13th April

Wednesday, 13 April 2022 06:00

Police are looking for a man who helped a woman after she claimed she’d been sexually assaulted at Ham Hill Country Park, near Yeovil. A charity is asking local employers to give more consideration to employing ex-offenders on leaving prison. A former chief officer at South Somerset District Council, accused of using public money on her private business, will face no further action from police. A motorist has spoken of his surprise at seeing a council worker trying to cut the artificial grass on the Hospital Roundabout in Yeovil with a strimmer. ...and more.

Police are looking for a man who helped a woman after she claimed she’d been sexually assaulted at Ham Hill Country Park, near Yeovil. The man, called Dominic, let the woman sit in his car following the alleged incident. His vehicle, a white hatchback, was parked at a viewing point at Ham Hill at around 11.30 pm on the night of Sunday, April 3rd. If you can help the Police with their enquiries, you’re asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

The Somerset-based charity, Key4Life, has helped more than 500 ex-prisoners to find work by giving them training and emotional support. This year, the charity is celebrating its tenth year.

A former chief officer at South Somerset District Council, accused of using public money on her private business, will face no further action from police. Clare Pestel was sacked by the district council last year following an independent investigation. Avon and Somerset Police say the evidence provided did not meet the threshold for pursuing a criminal prosecution. Ms. Pestel has always denied the allegations made against her.

A motorist has spoken of his surprise at seeing a council worker trying to cut the artificial grass on the Hospital Roundabout in Yeovil with a strimmer. Nigel Castle was driving past the roundabout when he spotted the worker attempting to mow the artificial turf. South Somerset District Council says the worker has been given more training to make sure the mistake doesn't happen again.

A well-known pub in Yeovil town centre is to have a change of use. The Westminster in Westminster Street was put up for sale last year and has been bought by a "religious foundation". According to the selling agents, the new owners plan to use the building for educational and learning purposes.

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Monday 21st July

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Friday 18th July

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Thursday 17th July

Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has serious concerns about plans that could see the closure of inpatient beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital. Ilminster residents are being asked to vote in a referendum on adopting a new neighbourhood plan for the town. An event in which people take part in a race against horses is returning to Somerset later this year...and more
Wednesday 16th July

A children’s play area in Ilminster has been closed on safety grounds after badger setts were found on the land. Somerset Council sold off £90m of property assets last year to help fight off bankruptcy. Crewkerne Community Hospital could be turned into a neighbourhood health centre...and more.
Tuesday 15th July

The fire service has blamed a discarded portable barbecue for starting a blaze at Ham Hill Country Park. A care home for people with autism and complex needs in Crewkerne has been rated 'good'. A seven-year-old Yeovil boy has set a new world record for completing the most number of consecutive sit-ups for his age group...and more
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Somerset Council is warning motorists against scanning QR codes at its car parks payment meters. Chard Town Council is spending £10,000 on short-term youth provision over the summer months. Former Yeovil Town player Marcus Stewart says he wants to continue raising money towards finding a cure for motor neurone disease...and more.