Monday 30th October

Monday, 30 October 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A red flood alert has been issued for the next 36 hours along the banks of the River Yeo between Sherborne and Yeovil. Plans have been submitted to build up to 85 new homes on land off Watercombe Lane in Yeovil. A survey has been launched asking people for their experiences of booking GP appointments in Somerset. Former Mayor of Yeovil, Julian Freke, has died at the age of 75...and more.

The Environment Agency has issued a red flood alert for the next 36 hours along the banks of the River Yeo between Sherborne and Yeovil. It means flooding can be expected in the area, with properties at risk of flooding. People living along the route of the Yeo are being advised to protect their properties from flooding.

Plans have been submitted to build up to 85 new homes on land off Watercombe Lane in Yeovil. The application from Abbey Manor Developments Ltd is in addition to another of their planning applications to build up to 100 new homes on an adjoining site. The two proposed developments would be on agricultural land between Watercombe Lane and Broadleaze Farm. Vehicular access is proposed through Watercombe Lane.

Former Mayor of Yeovil, Julian Freke, has died at the age of 75. Julian, described as a ‘Yeovillian through and through’, was Mayor of the town from 2002 to 2004 and a long-standing member of Yeovil Town Council and South Somerset District Council.

A survey has been launched asking people for their experiences of booking GP appointments in Somerset. Healthwatch Somerset says early returns show that people are being made to wait too long to see a GP.

Friends of the former Yeovil Town Coach, Marcus Stewart, have completed a week-long bike ride, raising money for Motor Neurone Disease. Marcus was diagnosed with the illness just over a year ago. His supporters cycled between his former clubs, including Yeovil Town, covering nearly six hundred miles.

The boundary wall of St Mary’s Church in Whitelackington near Chard is to be rebuilt. Somerset Council has approved plans to restore the wall outside the Grade-2 Listed building after it collapsed due to damage caused by tree roots.

More from News

Thursday 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more