Local News Monday 31st October

Monday, 31 October 2022 06:00

South Western Railway, which runs trains through Yeovil Junction to London Waterloo, is urging passengers to only travel by rail if necessary between Saturday, November 5th and Thursday, November 10th. A study carried out in the South West has recommended lifelong emotional support for those leaving the military. Yeovil's Marlie Packer played a starring role in England’s Women’s Rugby team’s win, beating Australia 41- 5. Somerset’s new Lord Lieutenant starts in the role today...and more.

South Western Railway, which runs trains through Yeovil Junction to London Waterloo, is urging passengers to only travel by rail if necessary between Saturday, November 5th and Thursday, November 10th due to planned industrial action by members of the RMT union. SWR says a large part of it network will be closed, with only a few trains operating, on Sunday, November 6th, Tuesday the 8th and Thursday, November 10th.

A study carried out in the South West has recommended lifelong emotional support for those leaving the military. The Military After Lives project involved veterans in contributing to the research and looked at the impact on military personnel of returning to civilian life.

Yeovil's Marlie Packer played a starring role in England’s Women’s Rugby team’s win, beating Australia 41- 5, to make it through to the World Cup semi-finals in New Zealand. The Red Roses' next game is against Canada for a place in the final.

Somerset’s new Lord Lieutenant starts in the role today. Mohammed Saddiq has taken over from Annie Maw, who has retired after eight years doing the work. The principal duties of the Lord Lieutenant are to escort members of the Royal Family on visits to Somerset and present honours, medals and awards on behalf of the Monarch.

People in Somerset are being asked not to feed their unwanted pumpkins from Halloween to wildlife as it can be bad for them. Forestry England says pumpkins are not a natural food for birds, foxes, badgers and deer and can make them unwell and spread disease.

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,