Thursday 18th January

Thursday, 18 January 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Hundreds of jobs could be cut at Somerset Council as the organisation is re-structured to save money. An investigation has been launched following the death of a Somerset man in a collision on the A37. Templecombe residents say they're disappointed after a hedgehog warning sign at the entrance to the village was vandalised and torn down...and more.

Hundreds of jobs could go at Somerset Council as the organisation is re-structured to save money. The Council’s Lib Dem Leader Bill Revans says the cuts are needed to make the Council financially sustainable. Currently, he’s faced with cutting spending by £100 million to avoid the Council going bankrupt.

An investigation's been launched following the death of a Somerset man in a collision involving a lorry on the A37 at Long Ash Lane near to Somerset/Dorset border on Monday morning, earlier this week. The driver of a Honda Civic died at the scene. Another man, also from Somerset, was treated for minor injuries. Police say three vehicles were involved in the collision and are appealing for witnesses

The Number-1 bus that runs between Shepton Mallet, Castle Cary and Yeovil has been withdrawn. South West Coaches – who run the service - had asked for an increased subsidy to keep it running but Somerset Council turned down the request. The Council says it’s now looking for a new operator to provide a replacement service.

A Chard man has been fined for fishing without a licence. Magistrates in Wiltshire were told that Harry Burston from Otterford near Chard was caught fishing at Chard reservoir without a licence by officers from the Environment Agency. They fined him £220 with costs of £135.

A nursery in Chard has been rated as ‘Good’ following an Ofsted inspection. It marks a turnaround at The Lawns Children’s Nursery at Chard School which previously had been rated by Ofsted as ‘inadequate’.

People in Templecombe say they're disappointed after a hedgehog warning sign at the entrance to the village was vandalised and torn down. Carrie Schuster, who helped put up the sign, says they’re hoping to find a generous sign maker to donate a new sign.

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New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more
Monday 20th October

Somerton and Glastonbury MP, Sarah Dyke, says the government needs to get an urgent grip on the worsening dentistry situation in her constituency. Bridgwater Town Council has criticised plans by the Somerset Council to charge for Sunday parking. Somerset Council’s Libraries service has launched its Winter Coat Exchange scheme for a third year...and more
Friday 17th October

A new £7 million primary school and nursery is to be built in the grounds of Holyrood Academy in Chard. A public consultation has opened into plans to merge the parishes of Ansford and Castle Cary. The nomination papers that paved the way for Margaret Thatcher to become Britain's first female Prime Minister have been uncovered in a Somerset garage...and more
Thursday 16th October

Two mothers in Chard are calling on carnival organisers to make carnivals more accessible to children with special educational needs. 4,000 people have been put on a waiting list at a new NHS dental practice in Somerset. Channel 4’s ‘Love It or List It’ is looking to feature properties in Somerset in a new series... and more
Wednesday 15th October

The maternity unit at Yeovil Hospital is to reopen within the next six months. There’s been a further delay to reopening Yeovil’s Octagon theatre. No CrossCountry trains will run through Somerset this weekend due to planned industrial action by the RMT union...and more.