Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.
Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered in the wall cavities. Somerset Council have described a number of attempts to rid the building of the insects, including enticing the bees into a roof-based hive but with the help of an expert beekeeper, two queens have been captured alongside around 70,000 bees.
Meanwhile, refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store at the Quedam Shopping Centre is underway, nearly a year after the major fire that forced its closure. We’ve been told strides have been taken towards a reopening, although a specific date hasn’t been set yet.
As part of Rural Housing Week, Somerset Council is highlighting the importance of affordable housing in rural communities. They say that a lack of affordable housing means residents, especially those who are younger, are less likely to remain local. With 111 affordable homes built in country locations in Somerset during 2024, there are hopes that the work will continue to service the needs of low-income families, young professionals and elderly residents in the area.
A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition. Moken Mills, who's 15, was asked to represent his country after a series of boxing development days. He's already won 19 gold medals - 10 in international competitions and nine national titles - and 51 of 60 competitive bouts in boxing. Moken said the whole experience was incredible.
South Western Ambulance Service is struggling to cope after a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke says a shortage of rental homes is making it harder for rural employers to attract workers. The National Trust is warning that changing weather patterns are making it difficult to maintain the Cerne Abbas Giant... and more
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
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
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
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
Police are being asked to cut the time the M5 is closed following accidents. Plans to build a major solar farm near Chard have been thrown out. Aldi is asking shoppers to help find locations for new stores in Somerset...and more
People in Somerset are being encouraged to get their cholesterol checked to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A Chard man has appeared in court charged with using threatening behaviour. A gardener from Somerset has won a silver award at the Chelsea Flower Show... and more
A Somerset car boot business says it will no longer accept twenty-pound notes after being handed counterfeit notes.Taunton Flower Show is warning this year’s event could be its last. Numatic, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, have invested one-and-a-half million pounds installing new solar panels at their factory in Chard... and more