Tuesday 16th July

Tuesday, 16 July 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Members of Yeovil Town Council meet tonight to vote on taking over a host of local services that Somerset Council says it can no longer afford to provide. Yeovil’s e-scooter trial is being temporarily halted. A new cafe is soon to open for people who worked at the Morlands sheepskin factory in Glastonbury to share memories...and more.

Members of Yeovil Town Council meet tonight to vote on taking over a host of local services that Somerset Council says it can no longer afford to provide. If agreed, the Town Council will assume the management, staffing and funding responsibilities for Yeovil Recreation Centre and Café, Yeovil Country Park and Nine Springs Café, Westlands Entertainment Venue and South Somerset Heritage Collection. Meanwhile, Somerset Council is writing to the new Labour government asking for the financial problems in local government to be given priority. Council Leader, Bill Revans says the Lib Dem-controlled authority is selling assets and carrying out a staffing restructure to help cut costs. But Councillor Revans says what’s also needed is for the new government to formulate a new business model for local government, to protect vital services like adult social care and children’s services.

Yeovil’s e-scooter trial is being temporarily halted, with immediate effect. Operators, Zipp Mobility, says it’s due to an unexpected supplier issue. E-scooters will be removed in Yeovil while the service is suspended. The trial is not due to end until May 2026.

Shepton Mallet prison has been presented with a Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award. The jail, which closed in 2013 and now operates as a tourist attraction was given a perfect 5.0 score in 3200 reviews on Tripadvisor.

A new cafe will launch later this year for people who worked at the Morlands sheepskin factory in Glastonbury to share memories. The café at the Redbrick building in Glastonbury will be held next to where the Morlands factory once operated.

Four owlets have been named in a public vote run by the Somerset Wildlife Trust. They were born in an owl nesting box on the Blackdown Hills.

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