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.

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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