Wednesday 20th November

Wednesday, 20 November 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, says he’ll vote in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill when it comes before Parliament later this month. Manor Court Primary School in Chard has been rated as ‘good’ following an OFSTED inspection. Forty-nine new homes are to be built at Broadway Hill in Horton, near Ilminster, following a successful planning appeal...and more

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, says he’ll vote in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill when it comes before Parliament later this month. If the Bill is passed, it will allow adults who are terminally ill to end their own life, subject to safeguards, A free vote on the bill will take place in Parliament on Friday, November 29th.

Farmers from Somerset joined thousands of others from across the country at yesterday’s demonstration in London against changes to inheritance tax rules. It was held in protest at the government’s plan to charge a 20 percent inheritance tax on farms, worth more than a million pounds when they are passed on within families. Sir Keir Starmer says he understands the plan is causing concern but will not change it.

Manor Court Primary School in Chard has been rated as ‘good’ following an OFSTED inspection. The school was praised for supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with special needs and for providing exceptional education and care to all its pupils.

Forty-nine new homes are to be built at Broadway Hill in Horton, near Ilminster, following a successful planning appeal. Somerset Council’s planning committee south voted to refuse the plans claiming the homes would amount to “over-development” and put a strain on local services. But following an appeal by developers Galion, the Council’s decision has been overturned. A separate appeal, arguing for the Council to pay Galion’s legal costs due to “unreasonable behaviour”, was dismissed.

Wessex Water is carrying out essential sewer renovation work in Ilminster all this week and over the next three weeks. Two-way traffic lights will be operating on the High Street, where the work is being carried out causing delays for motorists getting in and out of Ilminster town centre.

The A303 will be shut westbound between Ilchester and the Cartgate roundabout this evening from 8 pm to 6 am tomorrow for white-lining work. Diversions will be in operation via the A37 and A3088.

A darts tournament is being held in memory of a popular pub landlord in Chard. Organised by Chard and District Darts League in memory of Steven Jones, who was the landlord of the Phoenix Hotel, it takes place at the pub on Saturday, December 28th. There’s a £5 entrance fee, with all money raised going to Alopecia UK.

More from News

Thursday 21st November

Bus campaigners are warning that government funding to improve Somerset’s bus network could be lost if Somerset Council goes bankrupt. GPs in Somerset are calling on the government to protect them from planned National Insurance tax rises for employers. Luxury handbag maker, Mulberry, is cutting dozens of jobs, including here in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 19th November

Somerset Council is investigating the source of a raw sewage leak at Limington, near Ilchester. Somerset has been given £7 million to improve local bus services. Chard Road Runners have donated three hundred rolls of wrapping paper to the Chard Christmas Present Appeal...and more
Monday 18th November

Nightspots in Yeovil are participating in a new initiative aimed at reducing crime and making people feel safer. A drop-in session is taking place in Chard this week for local people to ask questions about a new £2 million flood prevention scheme. The A303 eastbound between Ilchester and Podimore will be closed from 8 pm tonight until 6 am tomorrow...and more.
Friday 15th November

National Highways says the scheme to dual the A303 between Ilchester and Sparkford has been designed in the interests of motorists, horse riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. An investigation has been launched after a teenage girl was forced into a car in Wincanton. The number of children in Somerset being home-educated has nearly doubled since the Covid pandemic...and more
Thursday 14th November

Farmers in Somerset are being asked not to leave roads covered in mud following an accident near Ilminster A liver screening project developed in Somerset could be rolled out across the UK. Senior managers at Somerset Council have been awarded a 2.5 per cent pay rise...and more
Wednesday 13th November

A South Petherton man has appeared in court charged with four counts of assaulting police officers. Public Health officials in Somerset have welcomed the news that an improved anti-smoking pill will be available locally on the NHS. A Royal Navy Commander, based at RNAS Yeovilton, has raised £4,000 for Help the Heroes with a world record attempt...and more
Tuesday 12th November

New figures have shown a sharp rise in crime in Chard in the last six months. A retired RAF pilot in Somerset has been speaking about the joys of being a foster parent at the age of 88. Councillor Pauline Parsons has been honoured for her 40 years service to the local community...and more
Monday 11th November

A man has been arrested in connection with an unlicensed music event held near Bruton. Police are appealing for witnesses to a crash involving a tractor and car in Yeovil. Accommodation providers are being urged to put themselves forward to provide lodgings to actors and film crews visiting Somerset...and more