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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Wednesday 26th November

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, belonging to the Unite union, have accepted a new pay offer of 8% over two years. Yeovil Town has appointed a new first-team Manager. A new NHS dental practice is due to open in Chard next month...and more
Tuesday 25th November

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, is calling on the Chancellor to deliver ‘real economic growth’ for Yeovil in her budget tomorrow. The government has given Yeovil College £2 million to upgrade its engineering facilities. A Chard-based charity has sent 7,000 boxes filled with Christmas gifts to Ukraine...and more.
Monday 24th November

A church leader has warned that “irrevocable damage” will be caused to town centres if Somerset Council starts charging for Sunday parking. Fifty new homes are to be built in Castle Cary following a successful planning appeal. A call has been made for a memorial to the victims who died in a plane crash on the Blackdown Hills 80 years ago...and more.
Friday 21st November

A public inquiry is being held into plans to build a large solar farm in the village of Wayford. Fire crews have put out a small blaze at Tesco in Ilminster. Canadian firm KDC One is closing its Wellington factory, putting dozens of jobs at risk. It's Ilminster's turn to switch on the Christmas lights tonight... and more.
Thursday 20th November

Taunton Town Council has agreed to provide funding for five years to support the town's Brewhouse Theatre. The Environment Agency is warning that Somerset could experience a drought next spring if this winter is drier than usual. We’re being asked to look out for rough sleepers during the current cold snap...and more
Wednesday 19th November

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is calling for stronger preventative measures to stop sewage discharges into local waterways. Somerset Council is to provide three new children's homes across the County. Street Football Club has appointed a father-and-son team to manage the club... and more.
Tuesday 18th November

Somerset Council has set up a task force to help identify land for a permanent traveller’s site in the county. Police are appealing for information after a charity shop in Martock was targeted by burglars. A Somerset woman is seeking individuals with a connection to the armed forces to join a new amateur rowing club...and more.
Monday 17th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are threatening further strike action. Dunelm says its Yeovil store in the Quedam will reopen on Tuesday, December 16th. A nurse working at Yeovil Hospital has won a place in the final of Miss England...and more.