Wednesday 10th July

Wednesday, 10 July 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

New figures show that from the start of the year, black people were six times more likely than white people to be the target of a stop and search by Avon and Somerset Police. A housing developer is taking legal action against Somerset Council. A Somerset teenager hopes to break records when he sets off on a journey around the UK coastline in an electric boat...and more.

New figures show that from the start of the year, black people were six times more likely than white people to be the target of a stop and search by Avon and Somerset Police. It’s a small decrease from last year when black people were seven times more likely to be subjected to stop and search, and after the force was described as ‘institutionally racist’.

A housing developer is taking legal action against Somerset Council in a bid to prevent further delays to building 130 new homes on the Somerset-Dorset border. The Planning Inspectorate granted outline permission to Gladman Developments in 2018 to build up to 130 homes on Woodhayes Way in Henstridge. But Somerset Council has twice turned down the developer's proposals to improve the A357 that links with the development. The developer has now lodged a further appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to get the central government to sign off on its road improvements and allow building work to begin before the outline planning permission expires.

The ruling executive at Somerset Council meets next Monday to decide whether to pay waste contractor Suez an extra 47 million pounds. Suez says the pandemic, the roll-out of new services and inflation mean the cost of delivering services has far exceeded projections. A report to the council has looked at alternatives but concludes that paying Suez the extra money appears to be the least bad option.

A Somerset teenager hopes to break records when he sets off on a journey around the UK coastline in an electric boat. Harry Bleasley, who is 18, will start his charity fundraising challenge in the summer. Harry says using an electric boat, rather than one that is conventionally powered, will be challenging.

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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