Monday 19th February

Monday, 19 February 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

There's an increased risk of flooding on local roads today following a weekend of heavy rain. Police have issued an urgent appeal to find a missing teenager, thought to be in South Somerset. A new public clock was officially unveiled in Ilminster town centre at the weekend...and more

The Environment Agency is warning of floods in parts of South Somerset today following a weekend of heavy rain. The River Parrett at Chiselborough is reported to be bank-full with overtopping likely, threatening the road between Norton-sub-Hambdon and Stratton. The River Yeo at Huish Episcopi is also causing concern with the road between Langport and Muchelney, and the road at Ashford Mill at Fivehead at risk of flooding.

Police have issued an urgent appeal to find a missing teenager, thought to be in South Somerset. Segun, who also goes by the name of Joshua, was last in Castle Cary. He’s described as black, 5ft 11 inches tall, with short dreadlocks and brown eyes. When last seen he was wearing a shiny black puffer jacket and carrying a red and white striped man bag. Police say he has links to Chard, Yeovil, Bruton and Castle Cary. If you see him, you’re asked to call 999.

The Electoral Reform Society says the names of up to 12,000 people in the Yeovil constituency are missing from the Electoral Register. That’s around one in eight aged over 18 people living in Yeovil who currently are not entitled to vote in elections. Now, two Somerset councillors, Adam Dance and Tom Power, have launched a campaign to encourage younger people in particular to check that their names are on the Electoral Register. To check that you are registered to vote go to: elections@somerset.gov.uk

A new public clock was officially unveiled in Ilminster at the weekend. Positioned on the corner of Silver Street and East Street, the clock pays tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth and has been paid for with money raised by the town’s Rotary Club.

A long-standing British fishing record looks set to be smashed after a huge Pike was caught at Chew Valley Lake in Somerset. The catch, weighing forty-seven pounds, was landed by local angler, Lloyd Watson. If ratified by the British Record Fish Committee, it will beat the previous national Pike record of forty-six pounds and thirteen ounces, set in 1992.

A man in Chard has been doing his bit to reduce speeding traffic by cutting back overgrown hedges hiding a speed sign. Rob Culliford decided to trim the hedges on the A30 Crewkerne to Chard Road as they were blocking a 30 mph speed sign, making it difficult for motorists to see what the speed limit was on the road.

More from News

Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more