Local News Tuesday 4th July

Tuesday, 4 July 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Avon and Somerset Police say young people in Somerset are carrying knives in the mistaken belief they need them for self-defence. Motorists are being advised to drive with caution on a road near Yeovil after it was undermined by badgers. A woman from Ilminster who set out to race up and down the highest peak in Wales in a wheelchair has completed the challenge...and more.

Avon and Somerset Police say an increasing number of young people in Somerset are carrying knives out of a mistaken belief they need them for self-defence. The force says it's working closely with specific communities to try to change this view.

Motorists are being advised to drive with caution on a road near Yeovil after it was undermined by badgers. Penn Cross Lane runs between East Coker and Pendomer, not far from Sutton Bingham reservoir. Somerset Council says temporary repairs have been made to the road and a more permanent solution will be found once the road has been properly surveyed.

Rail passengers in Somerset are being warned to expect disruption for the next six days, due to an overtime ban by train drivers. South Western Railway which runs services through Yeovil Junction and Sherborne stations will be impacted. It's the latest action by members of ASLEF in their long-running dispute over pay and conditions.

A medic from Shepton Mallet who has returned from a third trip to Ukraine says his team have done what they set out to do. Since the war started, Steve Brooks and a group of other medics have been providing medical training to Ukrainian forces, serving on the frontline.

A woman from Ilminster who set out to race up and down the highest peak in Wales in a wheelchair has completed the challenge. Tina Chappell was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a spinal injury five years ago. With a team of sixteen helpers, Tina climbed the mountain in two hours and twenty-three minutes, raising money for charity, Back-Up.

More from News

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
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more