Monday 25th March

Monday, 25 March 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Twenty-five new electric buses will soon start running on Somerset’s roads thanks to a £14.7 million Government investment in public transport. A record number of houses were sold in Chard last year making it one of the most popular towns in Somerset to live in. Yeovil's Marlie Packer won her 100th cap with the England Women’s Rugby team playing Italy in a Six Nations game yesterday...and more.

Twenty-five new electric buses are to be introduced on Somerset’s roads thanks to a £14.7 million investment in public transport by the government. The double-decker and single-decker buses are being paid for by a grant from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission scheme. The electric buses will replace some of Buses of Somerset’s diesel fleet, and will each save up to 60 tonnes of tailpipe emissions every year.

The number of community food pantries operating in Somerset has risen to ten. Community food pantries give out food to those in the greatest need that has been donated by supermarkets that would otherwise be thrown away.

It seems Chard is a place where more and more people want to live. Figures from the property website Rightmove show that house sales in Chard last year more than doubled. Rightmove says that compared to 2022 the number of property sales in Chard rose by 123 per cent last year.

Yeovil-based solicitors Battens came away winners at the 2024 Somerset Business Awards, held in Weston-super-mare, at the weekend. Battens, who have offices in Princes Street in Yeovil, was presented with the ‘Investing in Somerset Award’ sponsored by Hinkley Point C.

Mill on the Brue at Bruton is asking for permission to install ninety-four solar panels at the outdoor activity centre. A planning application to Somerset Council says the panels will be sited near to the entrance, not far away from an existing bridleway.

Somerset is on a list of places to report UFO sightings. In their annual report, the research group UFO Identified says fifteen unexplained objects or lights were spotted in the skies over Somerset between January 2021 and December 2023. It brings to 193, the total number of UFO sightings across the South West in the last four years.

Yeovil's Marlie Packer won her 100th cap playing for the England Women’s Rugby team in a Six Nations game against Italy yesterday. The 34-year-old flanker and England Captain, who attended Bucker’s Mead Academy in Yeovil, made her debut for the Red Roses in 2008 and is only the seventh English women’s rugby player to win 100 caps playing for her country.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more