Local News Wednesday 14th December

Wednesday, 14 December 2022 06:00

Network Rail says rail passengers in Somerset can expect disruption on the railways every day between now and the 9th of January. Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a lorry and a car collided on the A303 at Buckland St Mary. A food bank in Chard is handing out gifts to local children this Christmas. A Chinese takeaway in Chard is on the move. The A30 between Chard and Crewkerne is to close for eight weeks in January...and more.

Network Rail says rail passengers in Somerset can expect disruption on the railways every day between now and the 9th of January due to members of the RMT union taking strike action as part of a long-running dispute about pay, jobs and conditions. Passengers are advised to check the websites of GWR and South Western Railway before they set off.

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a lorry and a car collided on the A303 at Buckland St Mary. It happened last Saturday at around 3 pm near to the Eagle Tavern and involved a lorry and a 4x4. Police are anyone who witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage to call the non-emergency number 101.

A food bank in Chard is handing out gifts to local children this Christmas. The Lord’s Larder held a toy appeal in November and had more than 200 items donated, some of them still boxed and unopened. The toys are being given to local families in the greatest need.

A Chinese takeaway in Chard is on the move. ‘Top Chef’ in Fore Street in Chard has been given planning permission to convert empty shop premises 9A Holyrood Street into a takeaway.

The A30 between Chard and Crewkerne is to close for eight weeks in January for urgent drainage works to be carried out. The road will shut on Monday, 23rd of January between Liddon Hill and St Rayn Hill to allow for 550 metres of drainage pipes and gullies to be installed.

A school in Ilminster has raised £250 for a children’s charity by holding a Christmas Jumper Day. Staff and pupils at Herne View Church of England Primary school held a number of Christmas-themed events with all money raised going to Save the Children.

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Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

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Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more