Monday 28th October

Monday, 28 October 2024 05:00

By Steve Haigh

A date has been set for the trial of five men in connection with the death of Yeovil man, Michael Wheeler. Somerset Council has announced a further 450 job cuts. Final approval has been given for 765 new homes to be built at Up Mudford on the outskirts of Yeovil...and more

A date has been set for the trial of five men in connection with the death of Yeovil man, Michael Wheeler. His body was found at Yarlington more than a month after he was reported missing.

Somerset Council has announced a further 450 job cuts as part of efforts to avoid the authority going bankrupt. Council Leader, Bill Revans, says the cuts will impact services and has repeated his call for the government to step-in with a rescue plan, not just for Somerset Council, but local government as a whole.

Final approval has been given for 765 new homes to be built at Up Mudford on the outskirts of Yeovil. Following years of negotiations and delays, the Abbey Manor Group was given the green light for the development between Mudford Hill and Wyndham Park at a recent Somerset Council’s Planning South Committee meeting. In addition to the new homes, a community hall, 65-bed care home, medical centre, retail outlets, and industrial units will also be built on the site, with an extension to the nearby Primrose Lane Primary School.

New jobs could be created at Sparkford after plans for new employment units were approved. The units will be arranged in eight blocks next to the former Haynes publishing site.

Somerset Council says it won’t be taking up the opportunity of a road closure to carry out improvements to a zebra crossing in Chard. Currently, Furnham Road is shut for repairs to a gas pipe. Local residents had hoped Somerset Council would re-paint the crossing at the junction with Beeching Close while Furnham Road was closed but Somerset Council say the work is not scheduled in its current maintenance programme.

Six thousand pounds has been raised at the Cross Keys Inn at Lydford-on-Fosse for two good causes. At a charity presentation evening, the money was divided equally between Cancer Research UK and the Alzheimers Society.

Local artists have the chance to apply for two bursaries of £400 each with Halstock Community Arts. They’re available to support groups and individuals to develop creative projects. Those applying have to live or work within a 20-mile radius of Halstock. The closing date for applications is December 31st.

More from News

Monday 4th November

Farmers in Somerset are warning of increased food prices and farmers going out of business as a result of last week’s budget. Police have released pictures of items stolen in a raid on Montacute House. A Somerset man has completed the 630-mile-long South West Coast Path, raising money for the RNLI...and more.
Friday 1st November

Somerset Council is looking at new ways to ease traffic congestion on the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton. Bridgwater and Taunton College and Strode College in Street have announced plans to merge. The Westland Entertainment venue in Yeovil is selling tickets at £3 to make its shows more affordable for low-income families...and more
Thursday 31st October

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is raising new questions about closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. Somerset Council Leader Bill Revans says yesterday's Budget failed to address local government's financial challenges. Chard High Street will be closed to traffic this evening for a trick-and-treat event to be held...and more
Wednesday 30th October

Somerset Council is facing a seven-and-a-half million-pound overspend on providing children’s services. The South West has one of the highest rates of underage smokers in England. A helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton has gone on permanent display at Portland Marina....and more.
Tuesday 29th October

Work is to start soon on a £60 million upgrade of the campus at Yeovil College. Somerset Council says it doesn't have the money to investigate illegal fly-tipping. Chard High Street will be shut to traffic this Thursday evening for a trick-or-treat event...and more.
Friday 25th October

According to new data, shoplifting rose by 40 percent in the Avon and Somerset Police area in the year to June. Farmers in Somerset warn that a scheme to turn land into saltmarshes will destroy homes and livelihoods. Yeovil Literary Festival gets into full swing today...and more.
Thursday 24th October

More plastic wrapping and bags are to be recycled in Somerset. A house in Yeovil was damaged by a fire that started when two dogs accidentally turned on a gas hob. Members of Chard Inner Wheel Club have been marking 74 years of the club’s existence...and more
Wednesday 23rd October

A hoard of Norman coins, valued at £4.3 million, has been found in Somerset. A man has appeared in court after carrying out 24 separate shoplifting offences at a Chard supermarket. Two Somerset councils are considering a merger to save money. £3 million was spent by TV companies making films in Somerset last year...and more.