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.

More from News

Tuesday 14th July

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more
Monday 13th July

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more
Friday 10th July

The inquest into the death of a sex offender has returned an open conclusion. A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county. Ilminster Arts Centre has held its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event... and more
Thursday 9th July

A father who shook his baby to death has been convicted of murder. Local people at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat... and more
Wednesday 8th July

NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place. A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted. Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi... and more
Tuesday 7th July

Two men have been found guilty of attempted murder in Yeovil. Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious crash near Taunton. A new partnership in Somerset aims to tackle domestic abuse through the power of grassroots sport... and more
Monday 6th July

A Yeovil man has been jailed after an incident in the town in March. A Frome warehouse fire last week is being treated as suspicious. The summer lifeguard service returned to Brean and Burnham on Sea at the weekend... and more
Friday 3rd July

Somerset residents are being urged to be tick-aware. Children are being encouraged to pick up a book over the summer holidays. A Yeovil apprentice has been recognised for his outstanding achievement... and more