Monday 13th January

Monday, 13 January 2025 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Plans to build forty-six new homes in Castle Cary have been rejected for a third time. Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has no plans to step down from his dual role as a member of Somerset Council. Rug Ratz in Yeovil is closing permanently today, leaving the town without a children's soft play space...and more.

Plans to build forty-six new homes in Castle Cary have been rejected for a third time. Developers, Castle Cary LVA Ltd want to build the houses off South Street. But Somerset Council’s planning committee south said no to the plans by 5 votes to 2, citing the over development of Castle Cary for their decision. The developer has yet to say whether they intend to appeal.

Lib Dem Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, says he has no plans to step down from his dual role as a member of Somerset Council. Mr Dance, who represents South Petherton and Islemoor on Somerset Council, says being a councillor helps connect him with local issues. Sarah Dyke, stood down as a member of Somerset Council in October after being elected the new MP for Glastonbury and Somerton.

Yeovil's soft play area, Rug Ratz on Stourton Way, is closing permanently today. A spokesperson announced the decision on Facebook, saying they’re saddened to be closing because it leaves Yeovil without a children’s soft play area.

A survey asking the public what Somerset Council’s spending priorities should be for the new financial year ends this week. Two thousand people have so far commented on the consultation, which closes on Wednesday.

Somerset Council has confirmed that it wants to be part of the government’s Devolution Priority Programme. If agreed, a new local government regional partnership would be formed called Wessex, with Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire councils working together on strategic issues like highways, the environment and tourism. Meanwhile, talks are continuing with Swindon, North Somerset and BPC covering Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch about joining the partnership.

More from News

Wednesday 15th January

A Yeovil man has been arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child. A Community Fridge in Shepton Mallet says it saved ten tonnes of unwanted food from going to landfill in the run-up to Christmas. Somerset Council has started collecting empty toothpaste tubes for recycling at the kerbside for the first time...and more
Tuesday 14th January

Police are appealing for witnesses after two people died in a car crash near Shepton Mallet. A new passing loop could be introduced on the rail line between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill stations. St Margaret’s Hospice has thanked the public for making this year’s Christmas Tree Recycling project their most successful ever...and more
Friday 10th January

Yeovil Hospital has declared a critical incident due to a sharp rise in flu admissions putting pressure on bed spaces. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, joined campaigners and colleagues in Downing Street this week to hand in a petition calling for action to tackle the shortage of NHS dentists. Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been replaced as England's Red Roses captain for 2025 season... and more
Thursday 9th January

Police say three children, missing from their home in Essex, have been found safe and well in Wincanton. Yeovil Hospital is asking visitors to A&E to wear facemasks to help avoid the spread of infection. Long traffic queues can be expected in Chard over the next nine months. A new arts and music performance space has opened in Crewkerne...and more.
Wednesday 8th January

Police are appealing for witnesses to a hit-and-run accident in Yeovil. Somerset Council says it's monitoring the weather closely following a Yellow Warning of snow across the County. A public inquiry is to decide the future of a Somerset shopping centre. Plans to build 30 new homes in Keinton Mandeville have been turned down.
Tuesday 7th January

Firefighters have used a boat to rescue a man trapped in a submerged van in floodwaters at Isle Abbots. Businesses in Somerset say there was a return to High Street buying over Christmas. The search is on locally for places where new homes and business premises could be built. Astro-tourism took off in Somerset last year, with hundreds coming to the County to view the Northern Lights...and more.
Monday 6th January

Police are treating, as deliberate, a fire at the former Oscar Mayer factory in Chard. The owner of an American diner says her takings are down 75 percent since the opening of the new dual carriageway between Sparkford and Ilchester. Yeovil-born England women’s rugby union team captain, Marlie Packer, says she’d like to captain the national side at this year's World Cup series...and more.