Local News Wednesday 25th January

Wednesday, 25 January 2023 06:00

Avon and Somerset Police arrested 346 drivers during its Operation Tonic campaign over Christmas. More than five million pounds is being spent to turn land near Bruton into a nature reserve. Another local pub has closed blaming rising running costs for the shutdown. The Care Quality Commission has carried out an inspection of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and rated it as ‘good overall’. A Somerset youngster has joined the intellectual elite becoming Britain's youngest-ever member of Mensa...and more.

Avon and Somerset Police arrested 346 drivers during its Operation Tonic campaign over Christmas. 130 people were arrested for drug driving offences, which was an increase of 100 from last Christmas. All the arrests were made in the six weeks leading up to New Year's Eve.

More than five million pounds is being spent to turn land near Bruton into a nature reserve. Nearly five hundred acres have been bought by the Somerset charity Heal which has plans to create a reserve in every county in England.

Another local pub has closed blaming rising running costs for the shutdown. The Carpenters Arms in Chilthorne Domer near Yeovil, which was bought by new management 18 months ago, has closed until further notice.

The Care Quality Commission has carried out an inspection of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and rated it as ‘good overall’. The CQC assessed three core areas - including specialist community mental health services for children and young people. That jumped from requires improvement to outstanding.

A Somerset youngster has joined the intellectual elite becoming Britain's youngest-ever member of Mensa. Teddy Hobbs had taught himself to read and count to 100 in seven languages before his third birthday.

A major incident, declared a week ago due to flooding in Somerset, has been lifted. Water levels on the Somerset Levels and Moors have been reduced with enhanced pumping and drier weather. The environment agency says at one point it was pumping enough water to fill 3,000 Olympic size swimming pools every day.

The Fixy van, operated by Somerset Waste Partnership, is in Chard today. It’s parked outside the Guildhall in Fore Street for collecting unwanted items of tech equipment including computers, keyboards and laptops, parts from which will be reused.

A Gastropub near Ilminster has been named among the best 100 Gastropubs in the UK. The Barrington Boar at Barrington is run by husband and wife team, Alasdair Clifford and Victoria Collins and is described as a country pub offering "modern British cooking" and "refined comfort food".

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Tuesday 12th May

A member of Yeovil Town Council has appeared in court charged with two counts of assault. Health professionals in Somerset are urging people to take up the offer of a free NHS health check. Organisers of Somerset Day have welcomed the name Dunkery given to the dragon on the county flag...and more
Monday 11th May

New figures show a sharp increase in reports of drones interfering with critical air ambulance missions. The Liberal Democrats have retained the Mendip Hills seat on Somerset Council following a by-election. A woman from Chard has been recognised for her contribution to the community with an invitation to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace... and more
Friday 8th May

Police investigating a fire in Shepton Mallet are appealing for help to identify two people. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has called for more government support for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. This weekend sees the start of the Great Gardening Show at The Newt near Bruton...and more
Thursday 7th May

A disabled man has taken his case to the High Court, arguing that Somerset Council’s council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Bristol Airport says travellers planning summer holidays should not change their plans. Chard and Ilminster Amateur Boxing Club has launched a fundraising appeal,..and more
Wednesday 6th May

Pharmacists in Somerset say it's becoming difficult to get hold of some medications. The building used as Club Neo in Stars Lane in Yeovil has been put up for sale. Free gym memberships are being offered to people living with Parkinson's in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 5th May

An investigation has been launched following a suspected arson attack at Sherborne Police Station. Somerset Council is spending £2.3 million on 14 new road gritters. Ilminster Literary Festival is marking its tenth anniversary this year... and more
Friday 1st May

A Yeovil man has pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour towards two female paramedics. Police in Chard are appealing for the public’s help following a spate of thefts in the Henson Park area of the town. Pet store chain, Jollyes, is opening a new branch in Yeovil... and more
Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more