Monday 26th February

Monday, 26 February 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

An investigation is underway into a major fire at the weekend that destroyed the premises of two businesses in Chard. Junior doctors at Yeovil Hospital are on strike again today as part of a national five-day stoppage in support of a 35 per cent pay demand. A feature film made by a lecturer at Yeovil College for just £5000 has had its premier showing...and more.

An investigation is underway into a major fire at the weekend that destroyed the premises of two businesses in Chard. It broke out in the early hours of yesterday at PMBL Batteries on Leach Road and quickly spread to an adjoining unit occupied by a gym club. 60 firefighters using eight appliances worked to put out the flames, with nearby residents told to keep all windows and doors shut due to thick smoke.

Junior doctors at Yeovil Hospital are on strike again today as part of a national five-day stoppage supporting a 35 per cent pay demand. Yeovil Hospital is advising patients to check their appointments are still happening before turning up for the appointment.

A charity that aims to improve library services says they should be protected from potential cuts here in Somerset. The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals say libraries are a 'vital' service. Thirteen out of 32 statutory libraries are volunteer-led in Somerset.

Plans have been submitted to convert an empty shop in Yeovil into flats. If approved, 107 Lower Middle Street will be turned into six flats across three floors. And, plans have been submitted for a Portakabin to be kept in use at a doctor’s surgery in Bruton. The Portakabin was introduced at the Bruton Surgery on Patwell Lane as a temporary measure to provide additional capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Owners, Symphony Healthcare Services Ltd, are asking for the Portakabin to remain in place for a further five years.

A feature film made by a lecturer at Yeovil College had its premier showing at the weekend. ‘Blue’ tells the story of a father and son working together as fishermen and was shown for the first time at Cineworld in Yeovil. David Smith wrote and directed it on a budget of just £5000.

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Monday 15th December

Toolstream in Yeovil has been put into administration, threatening the jobs of dozens of employees. NHS Somerset has issued a last chance call for people to get a flu jab after hospital admissions increased by 76% in a week. Police are investigating the theft of a bike valued at £7,000 in Sherborne... and more
Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more