Local News Wednesday 27th July

Wednesday, 27 July 2022 06:00

A box of old family photographs from the 1950s has been found in a store room at Pen Mill railway station in Yeovil during a clearout. Protesters are continuing to occupy a giant historic oak tree near Sparkford to stop it from being cut down as part of work to dual the A303. Rail passengers in Somerset are being advised not to travel today unless it’s absolutely necessary. Police are continuing their investigation into the death of a one-month-old baby in Chard...and more.

A box of old family photographs from the 1950s has been found in a store room at Pen Mill railway station in Yeovil during a clearout, and now Great Western Railway would like to return them to their rightful owner. A number of the photos show a young girl wearing the uniform of Westfield County Junior School, together with several handwritten notes. GWR regional manager, Alex Hills says considering the items have been hidden in a damp storeroom for 70 years, they are in very good condition.

Protesters are continuing to occupy a giant historic oak tree near Sparkford to stop it from being cut down as part of work to dual the A303. National Highways say the tree has to go to make room for a new slip road connecting the dual carriageway to Hazlegrove Prep School. Protesters, who claim the tree is 600 years old, have set up tents underneath the tree, and are occupying some of its branches.

Rail passengers in Somerset are being advised not to travel today unless it’s absolutely necessary. A one-day strike is being staged by the RMT Union over pay, jobs, and terms and conditions. As a result, GWR, South Western Railway, and Cross Country in Somerset are not running trains or running much-reduced services. Meanwhile, GWR says they have to adapt to the way passengers use the railway now, and will use it in the future.

Police are continuing their investigation into the death of a one-month-old baby in Chard. Police were called to Helliers Road in Chard on Saturday, July 16th after reports that a baby was critically ill. The infant died a week later in hospital. A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and released on bail.

Police are appealing for witnesses to an attack on a 14-year-old boy in Pageant Gardens in Sherborne. It happened at around 5.30 pm on Friday, July 15th. Four teenagers have been arrested in connection with the incident. If you can assist the police, please call the non-emergency number 101.

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Thursday 28th May

People are being asked to take extra care in parks and open spaces as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fire. Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Yeovil can now go ahead after a High Court challenge by Mudford Parish Council was dismissed. A Somerset bakery chain has sparked a reaction after it stopped making iced buns... and more
Wednesday 27th May

The UK Health Security Agency has increased its heat health alert for Somerset to amber. Trading Standards officers have shut down three shops in Taunton after illegal cigarettes and vapes were discovered on the premises. Bridgwater Town Council is considering running its own bus services...and more
Tuesday 26th May

A Martock agricultural machinery business has gone into administration, putting around thirty jobs at risk. A new sensory room has opened at a Yeovil schook to support neurodiverse pupils. The headteacher of a Chard primary school is stepping down... and more
Friday 22nd May

The National Farmers Union in Somerset has welcomed the government’s new trade deal with six Gulf countries. Campaigners say Somerset’s canals and locks are in urgent need new investment. The Liverpool comedian John Bishop is heading to Somerset later this year...and more
Thursday 21st May

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Wednesday 20th May

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