Friday 1st August

Friday, 1 August 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A family in Marston Magna is trying to get a relative home from a holiday in Greece, where he's been taken seriously ill. The fire service is warning of the dangers of leaving mirrors in view of direct sunlight. Residents in Touchstone Lane in Chard have started a new community speed watch group...and more

A family in Marston Magna is trying to get a relative home from a holiday in Greece, where he's been taken seriously ill after insurers refused to pay his travel costs. His insurance company say that Alan Kirby had a pre-existing medical condition that was not disclosed when he applied for travel insurance. His stepdaughter, Lisa Whitemore, has launched an appeal for money to bring him home and is urging holidaymakers to read the terms and conditions of their insurance policies before travelling.

The fire service is warning of the dangers of leaving mirrors in view of direct sunlight following a fire at a property in Crofton Park in Yeovil caused by a mirror left by a window. The fire service says the mirror was left in direct sunlight, sparking a fire that spread to textile wall hangings in a bedroom.

Residents in Touchstone Lane and Helliers Road in Chard have started a community speed watch group. The group, which applied to register with Avon and Somerset Police, want a 20-mile-an-hour limit, together with other traffic-calming measures, introduced in Touchstone Lane and Helliers Road.

A further 60 homes could be built close to Castle Cary railway station if new plans are approved. The development will be accessed via Burfitt Road within the Lovel’s Farm site, and is in addition to the Station Green development at Ansford Hill, where 200 new homes are planned. Grass Roots Planning says a planning application will be submitted to Somerset Council before Christmas. Meanwhile, 49 new homes are to be built in Bruton. Somerset Council has approved plans for the development on the A359 at Cuckoo Hill, close to where a new doctors' surgery will be built.

And, due to the closure of A378 at Langport for bridge repairs, the Nat West mobile bank will be parked at a different location during August. It can be found in the car park at the Rose and Crown pub each Thursday, 12.30 to 1.15 pm. The A378 will be shut between Eastover and the junction with Moor Close to the end of August.

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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, despite concerns about a jet fuel shortage. Chard and Ilminster Amateur Boxing Club has launched a fundraising appeal, warning it faces an uncertain future due to rising costs...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
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more