Monday 27th January

Monday, 27 January 2025 at 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.

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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