Local News Wednesday 10th May

Tuesday, 9 May 2023 at 19:16

By Steve Haigh

A major incident has been declared with people evacuated from their homes following flash flooding in parts of South Somerset. A Somerset pharmacist is questioning whether chemist shops should be asked to prescribe medicines for common health conditions. One of Chard’s most important historic buildings has been saved for the nation. The public toilets at the Ilminster recreation ground have again been vandalised...and more.

A major incident has been declared with people evacuated from their homes following flash flooding in parts of South Somerset. The worst affected areas are Queen Camel, North and South Cadbury and Galhampton. Some roads are blocked with drivers asked not to drive through flooded roads. The Environment Agency is advising homeowners to take all necessary precautions to protect their homes from flooding in the affected areas.

A Somerset pharmacist is questioning asking chemist shops to prescribe medicines for common health conditions. The government is planning to introduce the new measure to free up millions of GP appointments. Mike Hewitson, a chemist in Norton-Sub-Hamdon near Yeovil, says pharmacists are already over-worked and that it may not be such a good idea.

One of Chard’s most important historic buildings has been saved for posterity. The Old Courthouse on Fore Street has been acquired by Somerset Council and leased to the Somerset Building Preservation Trust which will now restore the property. The Old Courthouse is a Grade-I listed building dating from the late sixteenth century and retains many original features including a first-floor courtroom with a barrel-vaulted ceiling.

The next phase of dualling the A303 between the Podimore and Sparkford roundabouts starts later this month. A 30 mph speed limit will be in place with some sections of the new road brought into use while the work is being carried out. The new dual carriage is scheduled to open by mid-2024.

Developers wanting to convert the former White Horse Hotel in Wincanton say the "at risk" status on the building is delaying work on the project. Planning permission has been granted to turn the property into a shop and flats but the architect, Stuart Hall, says they can’t make progress until the “at risk” status has been removed.

The public toilets at the Ilminster recreation ground have again been vandalised. A ceiling was damaged, a window smashed, a picnic bench broken, and signs ripped off in the skate park area. Police are asking anyone with information to please call the non-emergency number 101.

A pub in Crewkerne has been put-up for sale. The Royal Oak, in Hermitage Street, has been closed for a time and is in need of restoration. The freehouse, which is close to the town centre, is on the market at three hundred and ninety thousand pounds.

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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