Tuesday 9th January

Tuesday, 9 January 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Extra charges are being levied on empty properties and second homes in Somerset. Tributes have been paid to Somerset councillor Dean Ruddle who has died at the age of 59. Yeovil Town's game away to Taunton Town tonight is completely sold out...and more

Extra charges are being levied on empty properties and second homes in Somerset. More than 2,600 properties are currently unoccupied in the County, including nearly 100 that have been empty for ten years. To encourage owners to bring them back into use, Somerset Council is imposing a 100 per cent council tax premium on properties empty for more than one year. Additional charges are also being levied on second homes.

Tributes have been paid to Councillor Dean Ruddle, who died at 59. Known to his colleagues as “Mr Somerton”, Cllr Ruddle was Lead Member for Adult Services on Somerset Council and also Chairman of Somerton Town Council.

One person had to be taken to hospital following a three-vehicle crash near Chard. It happened on the A358 at Hornsbury Hill at midday yesterday. The road was closed for more than an hour. The condition of the injured person is not known.

A new way of dealing with women, arrested for the first time for low-level offences, is being tested in Somerset in partnership with Avon and Somerset Police. 'Project She' run by the Nelson Trust offers women who admit to wrongdoing, the chance of training and support, rather than a court appearance.

A new £3 parking charge has come into effect at the Westhay Moor Nature Reserve, near Langport. Up until now, parking at the Reserve has been free, however, entry to the Reserve itself remains at no charge.

An audiologist in Somerset claims hearing aids help people to stay fit and active in older age. Laura Lewis, who works for T T M Hearing Services, says she's not surprised that a study has found hearing aids can delay the onset of dementia and help people to live longer.

Yeovil Town will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run of six games when they take on Taunton Town away at Wordsworth Drive tonight. The Glovers, who are ten points clear at the top of National League South, beat Taunton 4-1 at Huish Park on Boxing Day. Tonight’s game, which is sold out, kicks off at 7.45 pm.

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.