Local News Monday 24th July

Monday, 24 July 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A new call has been made to improve farm safety in Somerset. Plans have been submitted to build fifty-two new houses in the village of Henstridge. A team of doctors in Somerset has been awarded three hundred thousand pounds. Roger McGough, the brother of Paul McCartney, is one of the headline speakers at this year's Yeovil Literary Festival...and more.

A new call has been made to improve farm safety in Somerset. It comes from the Farm Safety Foundation and follows new data showing that twenty-seven people died in farm accidents across the UK last year, including children and visitors.

Plans have been submitted to build fifty-two new houses in the village of Henstridge. Developers, Macra Ltd, want to use land behind Townsend Farm off the A30 for the scheme. Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the application before the end of the year.

Police are investigating the theft of chainsaws and hedge trimmers from a property in Holwell near Sherborne. The break-in happened in the early hours of last Friday, July twenty-first, at a workshop in Holwell Drove. Five chainsaws, three hedge trimmers, a cordless sander, and other small tools were taken. Anyone with information that would help the Police is asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

Rail travellers wanting to object to the planned closure of ticket offices at stations in Somerset have until Wednesday this week to submit their comments. GWR says four out of five rail tickets are now bought online or by using a ticket machine.

A team of doctors in Somerset has been awarded three hundred thousand pounds to improve cervical cancer screenings among women who've recently given birth. Currently, mothers have to wait twelve weeks to be tested but the new study aims to reduce the wait time to six weeks and make it part of post-natal care.

The names of some of the speakers who will be appearing at this year’s Yeovil Literary Festival have been announced. In the line-up will be Deborah Meaden, Sarah Beeny, Chris Packham and Roger McGough, the brother of Paul McCartney. Yeovil Literary Festival takes place during the last week of October.

Drivers are being reminded that the A30 through West Coker is closed for re-surfacing. Access to local businesses is still being provided with the road not due to re-open until the end of August.

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Thursday 8th October

Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally. Wells market has received national recognition...and more
Wednesday 7th October

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more
Tuesday 6th October

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more
Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.
Thursday 1st October

765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Wednesday 30th September

Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Tuesday 29th September

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.