Monday 27th November

Monday, 27 November 2023 06:00

Plans have been submitted to open a new traveller site near Curry Rivel. Wessex Water has started the latest phase of a five-year programme to clean up Somerset’s watercourses of phosphates. Ilminster’s annual Christmas Tree Festival at the Minster starts today. A man from Somerset is taking on the challenge of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic...and more.

Plans have been submitted to open a new traveller site near Curry Rivel. The land between Fivehead and Isle Abbot would be used for the scheme. If approved, five traveller pitches, together with spaces for five mobile homes, and five touring caravans, would be introduced at the site.

Wessex Water has started the latest phase of a 5-year programme to clean up Somerset’s watercourses of phosphates. £18 million, raised through water bills, is currently being invested in mitigation schemes in Martock, Crewkerne and Merriot.

NHS Somerset is urging those eligible for a Covid booster to come forward. People aged 65 and over only have until December 15th to get the top-up. NHS Somerset also says they particularly want pregnant women to come forward, as local data shows that many mums-to-be have yet to have a Covid booster.

A man from Somerset is taking on the challenge of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. Sam Glover will row from the Canaries to Antigua next month, to raise money for United, a charity that supports and funds social entrepreneurs.

Representatives from Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil have been in New Zealand helping to generate interest in careers in engineering. The team of young ambassadors give presentations in schools and colleges on the engineering roles in the UK, alongside practical activities, one of which was to suggest a design for building a new search and rescue helicopter for New Zealand.

Ilminster’s annual Christmas Tree Festival starts today. Held at the Minster, it features decorated trees and crib scenes representing local community groups. Admission to the Minster is free, with all donations going to the groups participating in the festival.

More from News

Wednesday 15th January

A Yeovil man has been arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child. A Community Fridge in Shepton Mallet says it saved ten tonnes of unwanted food from going to landfill in the run-up to Christmas. Somerset Council has started collecting empty toothpaste tubes for recycling at the kerbside for the first time...and more
Tuesday 14th January

Police are appealing for witnesses after two people died in a car crash near Shepton Mallet. A new passing loop could be introduced on the rail line between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill stations. St Margaret’s Hospice has thanked the public for making this year’s Christmas Tree Recycling project their most successful ever...and more
Monday 13th January

Plans to build forty-six new homes in Castle Cary have been rejected for a third time. Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has no plans to step down from his dual role as a member of Somerset Council. Rug Ratz in Yeovil is closing permanently today, leaving the town without a children's soft play space...and more.
Friday 10th January

Yeovil Hospital has declared a critical incident due to a sharp rise in flu admissions putting pressure on bed spaces. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, joined campaigners and colleagues in Downing Street this week to hand in a petition calling for action to tackle the shortage of NHS dentists. Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been replaced as England's Red Roses captain for 2025 season... and more
Thursday 9th January

Police say three children, missing from their home in Essex, have been found safe and well in Wincanton. Yeovil Hospital is asking visitors to A&E to wear facemasks to help avoid the spread of infection. Long traffic queues can be expected in Chard over the next nine months. A new arts and music performance space has opened in Crewkerne...and more.
Wednesday 8th January

Police are appealing for witnesses to a hit-and-run accident in Yeovil. Somerset Council says it's monitoring the weather closely following a Yellow Warning of snow across the County. A public inquiry is to decide the future of a Somerset shopping centre. Plans to build 30 new homes in Keinton Mandeville have been turned down.
Tuesday 7th January

Firefighters have used a boat to rescue a man trapped in a submerged van in floodwaters at Isle Abbots. Businesses in Somerset say there was a return to High Street buying over Christmas. The search is on locally for places where new homes and business premises could be built. Astro-tourism took off in Somerset last year, with hundreds coming to the County to view the Northern Lights...and more.
Monday 6th January

Police are treating, as deliberate, a fire at the former Oscar Mayer factory in Chard. The owner of an American diner says her takings are down 75 percent since the opening of the new dual carriageway between Sparkford and Ilchester. Yeovil-born England women’s rugby union team captain, Marlie Packer, says she’d like to captain the national side at this year's World Cup series...and more.