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

Friday 10th July

A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.
Thursday 10th July

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Wednesday 9th July

Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.
Tuesday 8th July

Adam Dance, MP has challenged the Government over a "failure to tackle rising levels of child poverty" in South Somerset. A man in Chard has been evicted from a property in the town. Temporary changes are being put in place at Yeovil Bus Station... and more
Monday 8th July

Avon & Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses after a collision between a car and a house in Stapleton. A Yeovil man has run 31 miles from Ham Hill to Lyme Regis for Yeovil's 'The Hub'. A family feast is coming to Chard as part of the Somerset Food Trail Festival...and more
Friday 4th July

Charity shops in Somerset report that they have received donations of dirty clothing and even soiled nappies. Plans have been submitted to build a further fifty new homes in Crewkerne. The National Audit Office says extra government funding to improve bus services, including in Somerset, has failed to deliver an increase in passenger numbers...and more
Thursday 3rd July

Dorset County Hospital is preparing to handle an increased number of births from now until the end of the year, following the closure of Yeovil Hospital's Maternity Unit. A number of former and current serving military personnel are pursuing the Ministry of Defence for compensation. Vandals have damaged a wooden shelter at the recreation ground in Ilminster...and more
Wednesday 2nd July

Business owners in Chard say ongoing roadworks in Fore Street are hurting their trade. A vehicle has been destroyed in a fire at a farm at Charlton Mackrell. A new recycling scheme has been launched to support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Castle Carey has created a Scarecrow Festival...and more