Tuesday 21st January

Tuesday, 21 January 2025 05:00

By Steve Haigh

A Yeovil man, who drove while on drugs, injuring two children, has been given a one-year suspended prison sentence. Somerset cider maker, Thatchers, has won a trademark battle against Aldi. Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre is looking for more land for its animals...and more.

A Yeovil man who drove while on drugs and injured two children has been sentenced. Bournemouth Crown Court was told that Stephen Farrant was driving a cement mixer on the A30 towards Sherborne when he contravened a red traffic signal and crashed into a car turning into Sheeplands Lane. The passengers, two children aged 10 and 11, sustained serious injuries. Farrant, who had pleaded guilty to careless driving and driving while over the legal drug limit at an earlier hearing, was given a twelve-month suspended prison sentence and disqualified from driving for three years.

A 10-year programme of work to dredge Somerset's rivers means nearby villages are less likely to flood, according to Somerset Rivers Authority. The organisation was set up in the aftermath of the 2014 floods that left communities on the Somerset Levels cut off for months.

Drivers face a diversion of 21 miles from tomorrow when a road on the Somerset Levels closes for repairs. The A361 along Fore Street and High Street in the village of Othery will be shut for 13 nights between January 22nd and February 8th. It’s to allow for the A361 through Othery to be resurfaced. During the closure, traffic will be diverted through Bridgwater and along the M5 corridor.

Somerset cider maker, Thatchers, has won a long-running trademark battle in the Court of Appeal against Aldi over the labelling of a lemon cider drink.

A Somerset wildlife charity is looking for more land to home its animals. Secret World Wildlife Rescue rehabilitates injured animals before releasing them back into the wild.

Yeovil Recycling Centre will be closed on Friday, January 31st. It’s for resurfacing work to take place. If you’re planning a visit to the Yeovil Recycling Centre on Friday, January 31st, you’re asked instead to take your items to the recycling sites in Chard and Somerton. The Yeovil site will re-open as normal on Saturday, February 1st.

More from News

Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more
Friday 16th January

The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more
Thursday 15th January

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.
Wednesday 14th January

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more