Local News Friday 1st July

    There’s been a warning that more cuts in bus services could be on the way in Somerset. An inquest into a military diving accident that caused the death of a soldier from Yeovil has found there were significant points of failure. Research suggests there could be ten times as many ancient trees in England, including in Somerset than are currently known about and a nurse from Somerset has been talking about the moment she fainted with hypothermia during Paul McCartney's gig at Glastonbury Festival.

    There’s been a warning that more cuts in bus services could be on the way in Somerset. Government funding support for public bus travel is due to end in October with no signs yet of the subsidies being renewed. Bus operators say if they are not renewed at their current level and ideally at a higher level then services would have to be cut. 

    An inquest into a military diving accident that caused the death of a soldier from Yeovil has found there were significant points of failure. 27-year-old Lance Corporal George Partridge was taking part in a training course at the National Diving Centre in 2018. But when he was brought to the surface, his facemask was hanging off and his two air tanks were found to be empty. The inquest was told his "sudden death" was due to a lack of air. The National Diving Centre, which opened in 2003, closed unexpectedly earlier this year.

    Research suggests there could be ten times as many ancient trees in England, including in Somerset than are currently known about. Scientists at Nottingham University say that could mean there are two million such trees unrecorded. Campaigners are calling for them to be better protected.

    A nurse from Somerset has been talking about the moment she fainted with hypothermia during Paul McCartney's gig at Glastonbury Festival. Lisa Morris passed out after waiting seven hours to see her idol perform on the Pyramid stage last Saturday. She was spotted by Paul McCartney, who then halted his show so she could receive medical attention. She says she couldn't believe such a moment of drama could have happened to her.

    More from News

    • Thursday 29th January

      Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more

    • Wednesday 28th January

      Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more

    • Tuesday 27th January

      Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more

    • Monday 26th January

      A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more 

    • 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

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 6°C

    • Chard

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 5°C

    • Crewkerne

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 5°C

    • Somerton

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 6°C

    • Wincanton

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 6°C

    Recently Played