Local News Tuesday 4th July

Tuesday, 4 July 2023 at 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.

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Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more