Thursday 18th July

Thursday, 18 July 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Plans have been submitted to build 650 new houses in Wincanton. Farmers in Somerset have criticised Avon and Somerset Police for re-deploying four officers from the rural crime team. Glastonbury and Somerton MP, Sarah Dyke, has written to the new Transport Secretary asking for a meeting about restoring a rail link between Langport and Somerton...and more.

Plans have been submitted to build 650 new houses in Wincanton. Land alongside the A371 at West Hill has been earmarked for the scheme, which includes a new primary school, care home and commercial units. To prevent the appearance of urban sprawl, the site has been arranged into four 'quarters' separated by green corridors - Hook Valley to the west, Furze Hill to the north, West Hill to the northeast, and Brook to the southeast.

A planning inspector has rejected an application to build 120 new homes in Evercreech, near Shepton Mallet. West Estates Development Ltd lodged an appeal after twice being refused permission to build the homes on the former Greencore factory site on Prestleigh Road. In his report, the Inspector says the scheme failed to respect the distinctive character of Evercreech, and would put the local services under greater pressure.

Farmers in Somerset have criticised Avon and Somerset Police for re-deploying four officers from the rural crime team. Police say the move is temporary and the offers are needed to meet demand elsewhere in the force area. But farmers say due to theft, hare coursing and illegal raves, demand for police support in rural areas is higher than ever.

Glastonbury and Somerton MP, Sarah Dyke, has written to the new Transport Secretary asking for a meeting about restoring a rail link between Langport and Somerton. The two towns were originally served by trains on the Taunton to Castle Cary line but their stations were closed in the 1960s. Sarah Dyke says a rail link would be economically beneficial to the local area, and the new Labour government should give it careful consideration.

The Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is holding a Summer Fayre on Saturday. The charity, which provides a home to more than 300 animals, has run into financial problems with the event vital to its future.

More from News

Friday 6th September

A man has died after a Yeovilton-based helicopter crashed into the English Channel. A major A-road through Somerset was closed yesterday, due to multiple fallen trees. Somerset Council describes itself as ‘breathing slightly easier’ after balancing its books for the last financial year... and more.
Thursday 5th September

Somerset Council say last week’s Yeovil Dunelm fire won’t impact the Glovers Walk regeneration. A Government review could delay the decision on a defence contract that would benefit Leonardo Helicopters. It’s been announced that the Yeovil & District Business Awards are returning... and more.
Wednesday 4th September

Yeovil’s Leonardo Helicopters appear to be the only remaining bidder for new MoD helicopter projects. A major Castle Cary employer will be able to expand its operations, following the backing of local councillors. The donations to Yeovil’s MP Adam Dance have been revealed... and more.
Tuesday 3rd September

Maternity services at Yeovil and Taunton hospitals have improved according to Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. A collision near Cricket St Thomas has left a man with serious injuries. The finalists in the 2024 South West Farmer Awards have been announced...and more.
Monday 2nd September

The Government is ending the practice of badger culling, ten years after the Somerset trial began. Yeovil Town continue their good run of form after beating Boston away by three goals to one. The South Petherton carnival is scheduled for its return in a couple of weekends...and more.
Friday 30th August

A mother from Chard has praised the work of medics who detected a heart defect in her unborn baby. Somerset residents are being encouraged to take part in a "test-a-thon", raising awareness of high blood pressure. Ferne Animal Sanctuary is looking for volunteers...and more
Thursday 29th August

People in Somerset are calling on the government to think again about the expansion of new solar farms across the county. A well-loved Yeovil taxi driver is being mourned in the town. Essential road closures will affect the A37 between Barwick and Stoford next week...and more
Wednesday 28th August

Somerset Council have begun the 'biggest road resurfacing programme' in four years. Investigators have started their probe into what caused a fire that seriously damaged the Yeovil Dunelm store. A Somerset tourism boss says this summer has been disappointing for accommodation providers...and more