Wednesday 6th March

Wednesday, 6 March 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Forty new homes will be built in South Petherton despite strong local objections. Four people have been charged as part of an investigation into a drugs line between Somerset and Manchester. A Yeovil primary school has won a national nature award for the second year running...and more.

The go ahead has been given to build forty new homes in South Petherton despite strong local objections. The development off Silver Lane will include fourteen ‘affordable’ homes. Local people claimed the site was not suitable for building and would create a dangerous junction at Hospital Lane. The application was approved by members of Somerset Council’s South Planning Committee by just one vote.

Four people have been charged as part of an investigation into a drugs line between Somerset and Manchester in a joint operation between Avon and Somerset and Greater Manchester police. Appearing at Taunton Magistrates’ Court, the three adults and teenager were charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. A full hearing against all four will be heard at Taunton Crown Court on Friday, March 29th.

The Acting Dean of Wells Cathedral has been justifying their decision to start charging visitors an entry fee to the cathedral. The Venerable Anne Gell was speaking about the fourteen-pound charge being introduced in April. She says the money is essential to help maintain the building which costs around four thousand pounds every day to run.

The production company behind the TV show Junior Bake Off says it's looking for applicants from Somerset for the next series. Love Productions, which is also behind the main Great British Bake Off, says it would like to hear from boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 who have a love of baking. Applications can be filled out online and the deadline is Sunday 17th March.

A Yeovil primary school has won a national nature award for the second year running. Tintinhull Primary is one of twenty-five schools in England to be given the ‘Let’s Go Zero Award’ by the Ovo Foundation. It includes a £200 prize, which will be invested into transforming a section of the school grounds into a wildflower meadow.

More from News

Friday 21st November

A public inquiry is being held into plans to build a large solar farm in the village of Wayford. Fire crews have put out a small blaze at Tesco in Chard. Canadian firm KDC One is closing its Wellington factory, putting dozens of jobs at risk. It's Ilminster's turn to switch on the Christmas lights tonight... and more.
Thursday 20th November

Taunton Town Council has agreed to provide funding for five years to support the town's Brewhouse Theatre. The Environment Agency is warning that Somerset could experience a drought next spring if this winter is drier than usual. We’re being asked to look out for rough sleepers during the current cold snap...and more
Wednesday 19th November

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is calling for stronger preventative measures to stop sewage discharges into local waterways. Somerset Council is to provide three new children's homes across the County. Street Football Club has appointed a father-and-son team to manage the club... and more.
Tuesday 18th November

Somerset Council has set up a task force to help identify land for a permanent traveller’s site in the county. Police are appealing for information after a charity shop in Martock was targeted by burglars. A Somerset woman is seeking individuals with a connection to the armed forces to join a new amateur rowing club...and more.
Monday 17th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are threatening further strike action. Dunelm says its Yeovil store in the Quedam will reopen on Tuesday, December 16th. A nurse working at Yeovil Hospital has won a place in the final of Miss England...and more.
Friday 14th November

Yeovil Hospital has introduced a new system for handling patients at its A&E department aimed at cutting waiting times. It’s claimed that an Iron Age settlement preserved under Somerset's wetlands for 2,000 years is facing erosion due to climate change. Montacute Road in Tintinhull will be closed for five days next week for repairs to a gas main.
Thursday 13th November

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are taking part in a second day of strike action in their dispute over pay. Lloyds Bank has closed its branch in Chard permanently. A week-long programme of tree planting will be held at Ham Hill later this month to mark National Tree Week...and more
Wednesday 12th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil begin a two-day strike today. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, has been speaking in a parliamentary debate on improving dyslexia support in schools. South Western Ambulance Service is inviting applications for positions on its governing council...and more