The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response A restaurant and hotel in Crewkerne has stunned fans by pivoting to focus on weddings and events Haselbury Mill made the announcement on social media - although it reassured diners that the Sunday Carvery it offers will continue It thanked customers for their support in the past Haselbury Mill will no longer operate as a public restaurant and hotel as we transition to focus exclusively on being a wedding and events venue We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the years "But don't worry - our beloved Sunday Carvery isn't going anywhere and will continue as usual The Grade II listed hotel and venue was sold to new owners towards the end of last year Haselbury Mill is made up of three Grade II listed buildings and the magnificent Tithe Barn It's all set within 13 acres of grounds featuring a river and lake The property has been renovated with original features preserved Posting on Facebook, Flossie McGhee said: "I've attended a lot of local events here - charity balls, school proms, Christmas parties as well as weddings and all events were run with the same level of passion and professionalism. To do only weddings in this area which has dozens of wedding venues nearby seems like narrowing down your target market far too much when realistically you cannot do more than one wedding per weekend so the cost of a wedding here is probably going to go through the roof Surely making it an events venue would make more sense so that it can still be used for all the other brilliant events currently hosted there." Adrian Callow reminisced about his experiences posting: "Had a fab small wedding there a good few years ago and still popped it a few times a year We got married here 23 years ago and have wonderful memories "I will be sad not to be able to sit in the lovely garden occasionally but everything changes and it’s tough out there for hospitality businesses Wishing the new owners and staff success." Join Somerset Live’s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone Somerset Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community exclusives and much more straight to your phone To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Somerset Live team We also treat community members to special offers promotions and adverts from us and our partners click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’ If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Click here to join our WhatsApp community. Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right CREWKERNE could see a new farm shop pop up just outside the town if plans are approved A H Warren Trust has submitted a full planning application for a farm shop and café with a car park at the Lower Farm in Roundham is looking to reconnect with the community by creating the new farm shop and that it would be stocked with local produce new vegetable gardens would be created to supply seasonal produce READ MORE: Concerns over plans to light up 180-year-old tree in Crewkerne READ MORE: Community food project set to launch in Crewkerne READ MORE: Asbestos dumped in Crewkerne – and left for weeks “A proposal has been put forward for the development of a farm shop and café which would enable Coombe Farm to reconnect with the local community by reviving an integral part of its business,” said Paul Rowe Architectural Services on behalf of the trust The floor plan for the proposed farm shop  Picture: Paul Rowe Architectural Services “The farm shop would look to provide a platform to market home-produced dairy and other products while also serving as an outlet for local produce plans include the establishment of vegetable gardens to supply seasonal home-grown produce—an offering that is increasingly rare in today’s market.” Locally grown and sourced goods would be sold at the shop including meats from the farm’s own livestock and other local sources as well as other luxury items would also be stocked from local sources The farm shop and cafe has been proposed for Coombe Farm Picture: Paul Rowe Architectural Services The trust also said it would also look to enhance public access to the site by creating a series of permissive routes that will link existing public footpaths “This initiative will look to offer circular walks of varying lengths and difficulty transforming Coombe Farm into a destination that not only offers shopping but also educates the public on organic farming and its positive impact on livestock and the natural environment,” a spokesperson added To view and comment on the plans, visit somersetcouncil.gov.uk and search reference 24/03010/FUL on the planning section. Click here for more planning news from your Somerset Leveller.  Follow us on Facebook Subscribe to the Newsletter The New Blackmore Vale Magazine The New Stour & Avon Magazine Salisbury & Avon Gazette A VEHICLE stolen from Crewkerne was used in a burglary which saw a glass door at a Dorset service station smashed in before thieves made off with a quantity of cigarettes Police said a piece of slate was used to smash a glass door at the property before two men entered and stole the cigarettes which had been reported as stolen from a property in Crewkerne said: “We are conducting enquiries into this burglary and I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident to please contact us “I am also issuing a CCTV image of a man we would like to identify I appreciate his face is covered but it may be someone could recognise him from his general build and clothing I would ask anyone who comes across a vehicle matching the one described to please report it to police.” Anyone with information about the incident should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55250018969, or Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111 CREWKERNE residents can connect with one another and meet new people at a new weekly chat café launching later this month is part of the group’s effort to create a new community centre in the town said: “We want this to be a warm welcoming community centre open to anyone from wellbeing to art workshops and after school clubs “It would add a new dimension to existing facilities and feature a community-run café serving good value food the first of which is taking place at 3.30pm on September 18 at Bilby’s Café is supported by a professional wellbeing and recovery worker from the Somerset Open Mental Health Network Crewkerne Health Centre is also backing the project Mr Fox added: “We’re excited to be able to start this new project which provides a space for anyone to pop in pop in for a drink and have a chance for a friendly chat with someone “There’s a wellness worker at the sessions who can provide support and ideas to help them “We are also looking for a sponsor for the sessions so we can offer a big discount on the price of drinks bought at the café “We would put their name on all our posters and online publicity – so if you are involved in a local business please get in touch!”  CCK has set up a new website – www.opendoorssomerset.org.uk – it will be updated regularly with news about their activities and progress in finding a home A CASH machine at Nationwide in Crewkerne is set to be replaced after it was targeted by criminals Contractor NCR Atleos on behalf of Nationwide Building Society have submitted plans to Somerset Council to replace the ATM at the Grade II listed building in Crewkerne’s Market Street after they say it was damaged beyond repair The branch ATM is the only public 24hr access to cash facility in Crewkerne NCR Atleos said: “The ATM is to be replaced because of a recent criminal attack “The ATM in this branch is the last ATM in Crewkerne and is vitally important to ensure that members of the public 24hrs access to cash “The existing ATM aperture needs to be altered to allow a new ATM to be fitted The existing ATM will be removed from position the brick work at the bottom of the aperture is to be cut away by 168mm “The top of the aperture needs to be altered by 8mm there will be no cutting at the top of the aperture “The new ATM will be positioned through the aperture a plate like that already fitted will be fitted around the ATM ‘neck’ and to site between the aperture wall and ATM collar “A weatherproof silicone seal will be applied around the edge of the collar and plate.” visit somerset.gov.uk and search planning reference 24/02202/LBC PLANS to light up a 180-year-old oak tree in Crewkerne have come under fire over fears it could threaten the health of the tree Crewkerne Town Council (CTC) is looking to light up the historic Lucombe Oak tree to mark occasions such as Christmas and Remembrance by installing 150w LED flood lights on the floor near the tree with the light directed upwards through the branches at a cost of up to £4,614.95 The colour of the lights could be changed to suit different celebrations and councillors who discussed the plans at a meeting last month were keen to seen it installed in time for Christmas The move has faced backlash from some residents with a petition for the lights not to be installed amassing 267 signatures as they are concerned the light would prevent the tree from going into its dormancy period throughout winter and the light could have a harmful effect on the many insects and birds that shelter there “The damage which floodlighting could do to the tree is worrying,” said a spokesperson for the petition “Night lighting can prevent a tree going into its dormancy period during winter months because it can’t tell day from night.” “The installation of these lights will damage the roots of the tree The foundations for the lights and the laying of cabling will be directly amongst the roots and within the root protection area,” the spokesperson added “Lighting will also have a harmful effect on the many insects birds and mammals which use the tree for nesting “There will be light pollution in a sensitive area and the lights could be a distraction for passing drivers.” Concerns have been raised that lights would prevent the tree from going into its dormancy period throughout winter The spokesperson said the Campaign to Protect Rural England agreed with their concerns over the lights but CTC said their professional arborist has not raised any concerns – instead recommending a bat survey to be carried out which the council is now awaiting A CTC spokesperson said: “The council’s professional arborist has reviewed the spec of the proposed installation and has not raised any concerns about the impact of the lighting on the tree itself recommended a bat survey be carried out and the council awaits the results of this “The tree would be lit for periods of celebration such as Christmas and other key dates to commemorate “The council does not intend that the tree would be lit constantly much like the festive tree lighting celebrations at Westonbirt Arboretum or Stourhead.” While the council confirmed in a statement the lights are being considered to light up the tree for events some councillors spoke about the need for the lights to curb anti-social behaviour in the area where councillors sat down to consider the two proposals for the lights from contractors councillor Andrea Stuart questioned how the lights would combat anti-social behaviour if they were only switched on for Christmas and not on 24/7 Councillor Andrea Stuart said: “If you’re trying to put it there to improve anti-social behaviour and then you’re only going to turn it on at Christmas… you need to put in the proper lights for that.” Deputy town clerk Gemma Hughes confirmed the lights would not be on 24/7 but as and when councillors decided Cllr David Livesley said in response: “I personally think that if its going to be on it should be on all the time.” He added: “I appreciate your concerns but the more light that you’ve got down there (the better) if they don’t get vandalised.” which said the proposed lights would be encased in an anti-vandal cage declined to comment on the comments made by councillors over anti-social behaviour and retained staff were asked to investigate the costs involved with lighting up the tree specifically for events and celebrations – not anti-social behaviour CTC confirmed it would also need to apply for a discharge of conditions before going ahead with the plans as the 2010 planning application for the George Reynolds Centre states no external lighting could be installed in that area without planning approval The council is waiting for the results of the bat survey before making a decision The petition is still live and can be found by clicking here. which means the tree can’t be lit up for Christmas The idea that lights surrounded by anti vandal cages to prevent vandalism is surely a misconception from the start A HOUSING association wants to hear Crewkerne residents’ views on plans to build 50 houses in the town Social housing provider Stonewater has put together plans to create the homes and a public car park at land south of East Street But it wants residents to input their views of the proposals to help them submit a “fully considered” application to Somerset Council READ MORE: Vehicle stolen from Crewkerne used in service station break-in READ MORE: Hundreds of trees to be planted in parks across Somerset They are holding a public consultation at the Council Chamber in Victoria Hall on Thursday This event will provide an opportunity for people to view the current plans and ask any questions The parcel of land Stonewater wants to develop Picture: BoonBrown “The exhibition will give us a valuable opportunity to explain the proposals to you and hear and record your thoughts,” agent BoonBrown said on behalf of Stonewater “Your thoughts and observations on the proposed scheme are important to us and a valuable part of the design and planning process,” they added Click here for more planning news from your Somerset Leveller. access onto a very busy east street just cant be permitted PLANNING permission is being sought for a snack van serving hungry workers in Crewkerne A plan has been submitted to Somerset Council for the siting of Smithy’s Mobile Snack Bar on the Cropmead Industrial Estate the van – which measures 4.3 metres long and 2.17m wide – would be open from 9am until 3pm Monday to Friday “There will be no waste left on site as this will be taken away daily and recycled where possible,” the application said “There will be no connection to the foul drainage any water used to be taken away in sealed containers for proper dispersal.” The application will now be assessed by planners at Somerset Council. For more details and to comment, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search application reference 25/00360/FUL Where the van could be sited on the Cropmead Indusstrial Estate READ MORE: More planning news from your Somerset Leveller This will be right outside my office window A BANKING hub is set to open in Crewkerne – giving residents access to face-to-face services has confirmed a facility will open in the town following a community request from Adam Dance The hubs, one of which recently opened in Wellington are shared banking spaces available to all banking customers A counter service operated by Post Office employees will allow customers of any bank to withdraw and deposit cash make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions in person There will also be private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy so there will be staff from different banks available on different days READ MORE: Excitement as banking hub opens in Wellington The Crewkerne hub will now be delivered by Cash Access UK which will start looking for potential sites in the coming weeks It is the fifth banking hub to be recommended in Somerset said: “While more people are choosing to bank and pay for things digitally we know that many people still rely on cash and face-to-face banking That’s why we’re delighted to recommend a new hub in Crewkerne MP Gideon Amos and Wellington mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd opened the banking hub in Wellington “There are over 100 hubs open across the country and when it opens the Crewkerne banking hub will provide a vital service for the local community and high street.” Yeovil) added: “I’m delighted that Crewkerne has been recommended for a shared banking hub following strong community calls for better access to cash services “This is fantastic news for residents and local businesses ensuring essential banking services remain available to everyone “Banking hubs provide a vital lifeline where high street bank closures have left many struggling to access the services they need I look forward to seeing the hub set up and will continue to champion fair access to banking for all.” The Rotary Club of Crewkerne District is delighted to announce the details of this year’s annual Charter Fair and Sunday Street Market Edward Danter’s Funfair will open at 4:45 pm on Friday The Sunday Street Market will open at 10 am on Sunday closing at 2 pm with the drawing of Rotary’s annual Grand Raffle St Bartholomew’s Street Fair is a cherished tradition recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 Its Charter was granted by the King in the 13th century the Rotary Club of Crewkerne District proudly organises this historic event for the benefit of the town and its residents All profits from the fair go towards supporting various good causes Rotary Club of Crewkerne District president Tracy Brown expressed her enthusiasm saying: “I am delighted that our plans have been finalised and I am confident that this year’s fair and Sunday Street Market will be hugely successful I am extremely grateful to this year’s generous sponsors for their invaluable support.” The Mayor of Crewkerne will officially open the Fair on Friday The Rotary Club invites all residents and visitors to join in and continue the Crewkerne Fair tradition For more information, visit www.crewkernefair.co.uk. To become a Friend or sponsor of the 2024 fair, contact Ian Le Breton at ian@ianlebreton.com Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. a unique venue and hotel nestled in the Somerset countryside Built around You.Your expert business property advisers Haselbury Mill comprises three Grade II listed buildings and the magnificent Tithe Barn set within 13 acres of grounds featuring a meandering river and tranquil lake The property is steeped in charm and history having undergone extensive yet sympathetic renovation works under its current ownership with many original features preserved The property is an established and popular destination venue for weddings while also offering a hotel with 21 ensuite letting rooms which attracts overnight guests and food and drink offerings such as The Lakeside restaurant and Windy Miller’s Pub on site which are well-regarded and attract day visitors Haselbury Mill is located on the edge of the chocolate box village of Haselbury Plucknett in Somerset an area known for its stunning properties which are largely constructed out of the honey-coloured stone quarried locally at Ham Hill The property is close to the small town of Crewkerne easily accessible from the A303 dual carriageway which makes it an excellent central location to explore all that the area has to offer Director at Christie & Co who managed the sale commented: “We are delighted to have brokered the sale of this wonderful business to a private buyer and we wish the new owners every success with their new venture.” Haselbury Mill freehold was sold at an undisclosed price Visit our Business Search page to find out more about current listings. Keep up-to-date with our latest listings and more… © Christie & Co 2024 | A member of Christie Group