Wednesday 20th September

Wednesday, 20 September 2023 at 07:00

By Steve Haigh

We're being asked to think carefully before using NHS services in Somerset this week, due to strikes by doctors. Wilko will shut its Yeovil store at the end of September. Crosscountry Rail, who run trains through Somerset, has been given a new contract with the government...and more.

We're being asked to think carefully before using NHS services in Somerset this week, due to strikes by doctors. Consultants walked out yesterday for forty-eight hours, with junior doctors starting three days of action from today. Junior doctors have been offered a nine percent pay rise, which they have refused.

Crosscountry Rail, which runs trains through Somerset, has been given a new contract with the government. The eight-year contract, starting from next month, comes despite figures showing that Crosscountry had one of the highest numbers of cancellations of all train operators between April and June this year.

It’s been announced that Wilko will shut its Yeovil store at the end of September. The final day of trading at the shop in Lower Middle Street will be Friday, September 29th. All four hundred Wilko outlets across the UK will shut by early October, according to the administrators, Price Waterhouse Cooper. In a separate development, The Range has bought the Wilko brand and website.

A local spider expert is asking people not to kill spiders when they enter our homes but to allow them to breed. Dee Patel, an entomologist based in Somerset, says spiders are good for the environment and that their numbers need to grow.

Ilminster hairdresser, Ben Russell, has made it through to the finals of the Australian Hair and Fashion Awards. Ben’s success at last year’s British Hairdressing Awards gave him automatic entry into the Australian awards where he will compete for the title of Global Hairdresser of the Year.

More from News

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