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.

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Thursday 3rd April

Two-thirds of employers in Somerset say the hike in employers' National Insurance will mean cutting staff. Police are investigating incidents of repeated damage at Somerton recreation ground. A man has been arrested in Chard on suspicion of indecent exposure. The story of the Monmouth Rebellion is being told in a new exhibition...and more
Wednesday 2nd April

Leonardo Helicopters has won a £165 million repair and maintenance contract that will secure 200 jobs at the Yeovil factory. Police are searching for a thief who stole a safe containing £1500 in cash from a pub in Ilminster. Alzheimer's UK says the number of people with dementia in Somerset is massively under-recorded... and more.
Tuesday 1st April

Police are investigating the cause of a suspicious fire at the former Oscar Mayer site in Chard. Yeovil Town owner, Martin Hellier, has stepped down as club chairman. According to the website, Property Solvers, Martock has the slowest housing market in Somerset. A new Head Teacher has been appointed to run Sexeys School in Bruton...and more
Monday 31st March

Yeovil Town owner Martin Hellier has announced his intention to put the club up for sale. Somerset Chamber of Commerce says small businesses are bracing themselves for a challenging year. The Children's Hospice South West founder, Eddie Farwell, has died. Tintinhull Gardens near Yeovil have reopened for the new season...and more
Friday 28th March

First Bus has invested £12 million in buying 26 electric buses to run on routes in Somerset. Approval has been given to build 18 new homes in South Petherton. Somerset’s recycling sites, including Yeovil, will revert to their spring opening times next week. This year’s Somerset Drama Festival has been won by Ilminster Entertainments Society...and more.
Thursday 27th March

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has criticised the Chancellor for not reforming business rates in her Spring Statement. Fifteen schools in Somerset are to be equipped with new facilities for children with special educational needs. A charity in Yeovil is appealing for donations of new underwear to give to people who are homeless...and more
Wednesday 26th March

The remains of a Roman settlement have been discovered near Langport. Chard Town Council has issued a formal apology over some of its recent conduct. Visitors to Ham Hill Country Park are being asked to tread carefully and keep pets on leads to protect breeding skylarks nesting at ground-level...and more
Tuesday 25th March

A teenage boy has been arrested following an incident in Castle Cary. Somerset Council has announced “wide-ranging improvements” to bus services. Work has started upgrading a doctor’s surgery in Chard. The finalists have been announced for this year’s Somerset Business Awards...and more