More than 50 firefighters tackled the blaze at the Grade II Listed Sandhill Park in Bishops Lydeard. No-one was injured in the fire, but firefighters took almost 36 hours to get the blaze under control. Parish councillor Mike Rigby said at the time: “People in the village are very upset that a big part of our history has been damaged. “The external parts of the building are largely intact, so I hope this focuses minds on finding some use for it.” Mr Rigby claimed the site – a former hospital and fire engine museum – was sometimes left insecure and said more could have been done to ensure that the building was safe.
LETTER: We must look after our natural treasures | Somerset County Gazette somersetcountygazette.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from somersetcountygazette.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
THE world of horse racing is in shock following the death of a top jockey and racehorse trainer from a village near Taunton. Brian Forsey passed away at home in Ash Priors on Friday (April 2), just 15 weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 68. Brian shot to fame as a 16-year-old when he rode two winners at a meeting at Taunton Racecourse. He initially rode for Bicknoller trainer Elizabeth Kennard. It was there that he met his future wife, Sue, after she was given a job there. The couple, who married in their teens, went ton to have two daughters, Liz and Annie, as well as grandson William.
ASH PRIORS 02/21/0001: Conversion and change of use of redundant agricultural building and adjoining land to 1 No. detached dwelling with associated works at The Old Farmhouse, Combe Florey Road, Ash Priors
BRADFORD ON TONE 07/21/0002: Formation of 1 No. wildlife pond for Great Crested Newts and erection of fencing on land at Stoford Manor, Stoford Lane, West Buckland 07/21/0003/T: Notification to fell one Cherry tree within Bradford on Tone Conservation Area at 2 The Old Vicarage, Bradford on Tone
CHEDDON FITZPAINE 08/21/0002: Variation of Condition No. 04 (landscaping) of application 08/17/0037 at Brook View, Tudor Park, Cheddon Fitzpaine
CHURCHSTANTON 10/21/0001: Formation of 2 No. dormer windows and erection of a shed in the garden of Bracken Lodge, Stapley Road, Stapley (retention of works already undertaken)