A large water leak in Yeovil closed part of Middle Street last night whilst repairs took place. A Somerset MP has been voicing his concerns over warnings of future flood dangers in the county. The Wincanton branch of Lidl could be demolished to be replaced with a bigger store...and more.
Yeovil has been facing its second mains water issue in a month. Wessex Water closed Middle Street yesterday between Old Station Road and Newton Road to carry out urgent repairs after a large leak. It’s thought around 100 residents have been affected, with Wessex Water setting up a bottled water station on Earl Street, and vulnerable customers receiving deliveries direct to their door.
A Somerset MP has been voicing his concerns over the warnings we shared last week of future flood dangers in the county. The Environment Agency announced in August that it was stopping maintenance on smaller rivers and streams to focus on larger stretches, where the flood risk is greater. But Bridgwater MP, Sir Ashley Fox, told the Commons it was a dangerous move, saying his constituents were concerned that without proper maintenance, the county would see the return of 2013/14 levels of flooding. In response, the Leader of the Commons, Lucy Powell, said ministers would look at it and provide a response, and are determined that the Environment Agency and others are held to account for the actions they take.
The Wincanton branch of Lidl could be demolished to be replaced with a bigger store. The supermarket has made a formal planning application to Somerset Council, with the plans also on show in the store itself. It’s thought the expansion would mean additional jobs, a state-of-the-art store, and a drive-thru unit. The old building would remain open for trade for the majority of the building works, although it would need to close entirely for a few weeks as the plan came to fruition.
The Ferne Animal Sanctuary are putting the final preparations in place for their 31st annual dog show this Sunday. The charity’s 72-acre site near Chard will be the venue for a day out catering for dogs and owners alike. Alongside the contests, there will be an agility course, a sit-and-stay challenge and ‘Temptation Alley’ to test the bond between owners and their dogs.
Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more