Monday 22nd July

Monday, 22 July 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The RSPCA in Somerset has reported a big increase in cases of animal cruelty. The mother of a Chard man, missing for more than a week in Sardinia, has launched a desperate plea to find him. A book detailing the life of one of Stalbridge’s most famous sons, the author Douglas Adams, has been gifted to Stalbridge Town Council...and more.

The RSPCA has reported a big increase in cases of animal cruelty in Somerset. The charity logged more than 800 incidents of animal cruelty in the last 12 months.

The mother of a Chard man, missing for more than a week in Sardinia, has launched a desperate plea to find him. Michael Frison, aged 25, was in Sardina and was last seen on the evening of Saturday, July 13th in the town of Luras while taking part in a volunteering project. The Foreign Office says it’s supporting the family and is in contact with the local authorities in Sardina.

Police are still trying to find a man wanted on prison recall who’s believed to be in Somerset. Joseph Bushnell, who’s 34, has links to IIlminster and Crewkerne. Anyone who knows of his whereabouts should call 999.

Plans have been submitted to extend the petrol filling station at Morrisons in Wincanton. The supermarket says to make space for the single-storey extension, the car wash will be demolished.

Lib Dem MPs in Somerset are calling on the new Labour government to hold an emergency health and social care budget. It comes as care home providers say the sector is in intensive care and in need of an urgent cash injection. The government says it is going to grip the social care crisis by delivering a new deal for care workers and creating a National Care Service.

A book detailing the life of one of Stalbridge’s most famous sons, the writer Douglas Adams, has been gifted to Stalbridge Town Council. Douglas Adams, author of the world-famous ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ credited living at the family home in Grove Lane in Stalbridge for inspiring him to write the book.

Castle Garden Centre in Sherborne has won a top prize for innovation. Castle Gardens, who also run the Brimsmore Garden Centre in Yeovil, won first prize for commercial innovation and creativity at the Midlands, Wales and West Garden Centre Association Awards.

More from News

Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,