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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Wednesday 17th June

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more
Tuesday 16th June

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas has been put up for sale... and more
Monday 15th June

People in Somerset are being asked to take part in a new survey about alcohol use. Yeovil's MP Adam Dance will lead a debate in Parliament today on NHS dentistry. A Yeovil runner has been selected to represent England at a national endurance championship... and more
Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.