Wednesday 23rd October

Wednesday, 23 October 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

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.

A hoard of Norman coins found in Somerset, dating back to the Norman Conquest, is to go on display at the British Museum followed by a tour of UK museums. The coins, found using metal detectors by seven finders in the Chew Valley in 2019 were later bought by South West Heritage Trust for £4.3 million, following a public appeal.

A man has appeared in court after carrying out 24 separate shoplifting offences at a Chard supermarket. Magistrates were told that Bradley Watson, aged 32, of no fixed address, stole the items valued at £4,250.00 from Sainsbury's to pay for drugs. Watson, who is also charged with breaking into Chard Rugby Club, will return to court on November 4th for sentencing.

£3 million was spent by film and TV companies making films in Somerset last year. Street and Shepton Mallet were two locations used for filming, including making Jilly Cooper’s blockbuster ‘Rivals’, currently showing on Disney Plus. Somerset Council says spending by film and TV companies supports jobs in the hotel and hospitality sector and, in the longer term, helps to boost tourism when Somerset is shown on screens.

Two Somerset councils are considering a merger to save money. If agreed, Langport Town Council and adjoining Huish Episcopi Parish Council will convert to one council. The proposal is out for consultation and those wanting to comment should contact Langport Town Council or Huish Episcopi Parish Council.

Horton Cross Nursing Home has been given a rating of "requires improvement" by the Care Quality Commission. In their report, the CQC rate the home "good" for being safe, caring, and responsive, but for being effective and well-led say improvements are required. Residents told inspectors they were "happy" at the home, while staff said they had confidence in the new management and were hopeful they would make the improvements needed.

Somerset Council is asking the public to name two new gritter lorries bought to help keep the County’s roads open this winter. Names suggested in an online poll include; Gritty Gritty Bang Bang, Spready Mercury, and Elsa. If you think you can do better, go to Somerset Council's website and enter your suggested name. Voting closes at 5 pm on Friday, October 25th.

More from News

Friday 18th July

EDF has completed another milestone in constructing the new 'Hinkley C' nuclear power plant near Bridgwater. The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire opens today with helicopters built in Yeovil on display. A road leading to Chard reservoir, shut two months ago for strengthening work to a dam wall, has re-opened...and more
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
Monday 14th July

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.
Friday 10th July

A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.
Thursday 10th July

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Wednesday 9th July

Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.