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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Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more