Local News Wednesday 10th May

Tuesday, 9 May 2023 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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