Monday 27th January

Monday, 27 January 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A major incident has been declared by Somerset Council to ensure a multi-agency response to the flash flooding that's affected Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, South Petherton and parts of Yeovil. Police believe a 4x4 pick-up truck, found submerged in the River Yeo at Yeovilton at the weekend, may have been stolen. An appeal to raise £2 million to restore the Grand Organ at Wells Cathedral has raised over £1 million in less than 18 months...and more

A major incident has been declared by Somerset Council to ensure a multi-agency response to the flash flooding that's affected Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, South Petherton and parts of Yeovil. It's also set up two rest centres in Ilminster and Chard. 12 flood warnings are in place across the county and a number of schools have been closed.

Police believe a 4x4 pick-up truck found submerged in the River Yeo at Yeovilton may have been stolen. Emergency services were called to the Rivers Yeo in Weir Lane after a vehicle was spotted floating in the water on Saturday. Police divers searched for the driver but no one was found. Police say enquiries are continuing and ask anyone with information to call the non-emergency number 101 (Photo courtesy of Michael Clark).

A man who threatened to kill a support worker at the mental health unit where he lived in Yeovil has been sentenced to a community order. Matthew Hunniset, aged 23, of Bladen Valley, Briantspuddle, pleaded guilty to assaulting Hannah Martin and using or threatening unlawful violence towards her. After receiving a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service, magistrates in Yeovil told Hunniset they had come close to sending him to prison. Instead, they sentenced him to a 12-month community order with 30 rehabilitation activity days and a 120-day tagged alcohol treatment order. He was also ordered to pay the victim £250 compensation.

The owners of Chard Bookshop on Pig Lane in Chard are closing the business for good at the end of the week. In thanking the local community for their support over the past six years, co-owner Stevie Kesham blamed rising operating costs, over which they have no control, for the decision to close the business.

An appeal to raise £2 million to restore the Grand Organ at Wells Cathedral has reached the halfway point, raising just over £1 million in less than 18 months. Appeal organisers, the Friends of Wells Cathedral, say they’re hoping to start the refurbishment next year.

One of our local pubs has reopened after being closed for refurbishments. The Lord Nelson on Rectory Lane in Norton-Sub- Hamdon, has reopened with a brand-new bar after being shut since the start of the New Year.

Free face-to-face dementia clinics are returning to Yeovil this week. The sessions, hosted by Dementia UK's Admiral Nurses, offer practical and emotional support to people affected by dementia. They will take place over three days starting tomorrow at the Yeovil branch of Nationwide, in Middle Street.

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