Monday 27th November

Monday, 27 November 2023 06:00

Plans have been submitted to open a new traveller site near Curry Rivel. Wessex Water has started the latest phase of a five-year programme to clean up Somerset’s watercourses of phosphates. Ilminster’s annual Christmas Tree Festival at the Minster starts today. A man from Somerset is taking on the challenge of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic...and more.

Plans have been submitted to open a new traveller site near Curry Rivel. The land between Fivehead and Isle Abbot would be used for the scheme. If approved, five traveller pitches, together with spaces for five mobile homes, and five touring caravans, would be introduced at the site.

Wessex Water has started the latest phase of a 5-year programme to clean up Somerset’s watercourses of phosphates. £18 million, raised through water bills, is currently being invested in mitigation schemes in Martock, Crewkerne and Merriot.

NHS Somerset is urging those eligible for a Covid booster to come forward. People aged 65 and over only have until December 15th to get the top-up. NHS Somerset also says they particularly want pregnant women to come forward, as local data shows that many mums-to-be have yet to have a Covid booster.

A man from Somerset is taking on the challenge of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. Sam Glover will row from the Canaries to Antigua next month, to raise money for United, a charity that supports and funds social entrepreneurs.

Representatives from Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil have been in New Zealand helping to generate interest in careers in engineering. The team of young ambassadors give presentations in schools and colleges on the engineering roles in the UK, alongside practical activities, one of which was to suggest a design for building a new search and rescue helicopter for New Zealand.

Ilminster’s annual Christmas Tree Festival starts today. Held at the Minster, it features decorated trees and crib scenes representing local community groups. Admission to the Minster is free, with all donations going to the groups participating in the festival.

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Thursday 3rd April

Two-thirds of employers in Somerset say the hike in employers' National Insurance will mean cutting staff. Police are investigating incidents of repeated damage at Somerton recreation ground. A man has been arrested in Chard on suspicion of indecent exposure. The story of the Monmouth Rebellion is being told in a new exhibition...and more
Wednesday 2nd April

Leonardo Helicopters has won a £165 million repair and maintenance contract that will secure 200 jobs at the Yeovil factory. Police are searching for a thief who stole a safe containing £1500 in cash from a pub in Ilminster. Alzheimer's UK says the number of people with dementia in Somerset is massively under-recorded... and more.
Tuesday 1st April

Police are investigating the cause of a suspicious fire at the former Oscar Mayer site in Chard. Yeovil Town owner, Martin Hellier, has stepped down as club chairman. According to the website, Property Solvers, Martock has the slowest housing market in Somerset. A new Head Teacher has been appointed to run Sexeys School in Bruton...and more
Monday 31st March

Yeovil Town owner Martin Hellier has announced his intention to put the club up for sale. Somerset Chamber of Commerce says small businesses are bracing themselves for a challenging year. The Children's Hospice South West founder, Eddie Farwell, has died. Tintinhull Gardens near Yeovil have reopened for the new season...and more
Friday 28th March

First Bus has invested £12 million in buying 26 electric buses to run on routes in Somerset. Approval has been given to build 18 new homes in South Petherton. Somerset’s recycling sites, including Yeovil, will revert to their spring opening times next week. This year’s Somerset Drama Festival has been won by Ilminster Entertainments Society...and more.
Thursday 27th March

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has criticised the Chancellor for not reforming business rates in her Spring Statement. Fifteen schools in Somerset are to be equipped with new facilities for children with special educational needs. A charity in Yeovil is appealing for donations of new underwear to give to people who are homeless...and more
Wednesday 26th March

The remains of a Roman settlement have been discovered near Langport. Chard Town Council has issued a formal apology over some of its recent conduct. Visitors to Ham Hill Country Park are being asked to tread carefully and keep pets on leads to protect breeding skylarks nesting at ground-level...and more
Tuesday 25th March

A teenage boy has been arrested following an incident in Castle Cary. Somerset Council has announced “wide-ranging improvements” to bus services. Work has started upgrading a doctor’s surgery in Chard. The finalists have been announced for this year’s Somerset Business Awards...and more