Tuesday 26th November

Tuesday, 26 November 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Somerset councillor has criticised government plans to relax the planning laws. A new group has been formed in Somerset aimed at cutting the number of motorcycle thefts. A retired Royal Naval Reserve Officer in Somerset has set a new Guinness World Record...and more.

A Somerset councillor has criticised government plans to relax the planning laws. The government wants to make it quicker and simpler for developers to get their applications approved. But, Martin Wale, who represents Chard North on Somerset Council, claims rushing through applications will lead to homes being built without the infrastructure in place, like schools and GP surgeries, needed to support the new homes.

A new group has been formed in Somerset aimed at cutting the number of motorcycle thefts. The launch of Bikers Against Theft in Somerset, known as BATS, follows a spate of motorcycle thefts in the County.

The RSPCA in Somerset says it dealt with 300 abandoned animals last year, making it the worst year on record for abandoned pets. The charity is warning that Christmas is likely to see another increase and is asking anyone who finds an abandoned pet to take it directly to a local vet or rescue centre.

Leonardo in Yeovil will be flying drones over its airfield today. The company says it’s a test exercise with the drones operated by authorised personnel.

A retired Royal Naval Reserve Officer in Somerset has set a new Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving member of the Royal Navy. Commander Suzanne Clark's Royal Navy career spans 45 years and 107 days of service, beating the previous record by 283 days.

A minute’s silence will be held at Chard Town FC’s home game on Saturday in memory of long-serving club stalwart, Colin Dunford. Colin, who has died aged 79, served as chairman, secretary and treasurer of Chard Town, as well as manager of the Chard Town Ladies team.

More from News

Friday 20th February

10,000 incidents of potholes on Somerset’s roads have been reported to Somerset Council in the past four weeks. The Met Office is warning of more unsettled weather into March for Somerset. The Crowshute link in Chard will close for eight nights next month for road repairs... and more
Thursday 19th February

Yeovil fire station is to undergo a major refurbishment. A Yeovil based charity is appealing for adults to become mentors to young people. A Somerset woman has completed a 10,000 kilometre solo bike ride across Africa... and more
Wednesday 18th February

New figures have shown a rise in cases of suicide involving farmers, including in Somerset. Plans to merge the parishes of Castle Cary and Ansford have been scrapped. A Somerset-based charity working to end homelessness is marking its 50th anniversary... and more
Tuesday 17th February

Avon and Somerset Police are asking the owners of replica guns to hand them in. It's claimed motorists in the Bruton and Wincanton area are paying out hundreds of pounds in repairs due to the poor state of local roads. And, Yeovil Town take on Aldershot at Huish Park tonight... and more
Monday 16th February

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has warned that the Westlands entertainment venue in Yeovil would be at risk should Leonardo not be awarded a government contract to build new medium life helicopters. A Chard woman has been given a suspended jail sentence for carrying a knife in a public place. A petition has been launched to slowdown motorists using Coker Way and Wyatt Way in Chard... and more
Friday 13th February

Somerset Council has dropped plans to close two town centre car parks in Yeovil. A Yeovil man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was attacked in her home. The Environment Agency has committed to reviewing its water management of the Somerset Levels following the recent floods... and more
Thursday 12th February

The government says it's ‘working flat out’ to arrive at a decision on ordering a new medium lift helicopter with Leonardo in Yeovil. We’re being asked to suggest where new electric vehicle charge points should be installed in Somerset. A new project is inviting people to look up and help map Somerset’s night skies... and more
Wednesday 11th February

Somerset Council has been told it can’t raise council tax by more than 5 percent. Businesses in Somerset are being warned to watch out for fake £20 notes. A Martock man has successfully completed a parachute-ski jump off the top of Mount Snowdon.