Monday 30th October

Monday, 30 October 2023 at 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

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