Monday 5th August

Monday, 5 August 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A woman motorist, convicted of drug driving and causing the deaths of two people on the A303 near Wincanton, has been jailed. Yeovil Hospital has been criticised for what it charges visitors to park on the hospital site. A woman in Chiselborough is participating this week in the Global 6K Walk for Water challenges...and more.

A woman motorist, convicted of drug driving and causing the deaths of two people on the A303 near Wincanton, has been jailed for three and a half years. Thelma Huse and Tony Mist both died after a Mercedes driven by Jessica Higgs struck their Fiat 500. Appearing at Taunton Crown Court, Higgs of Imber Road in Warminster, was also banned from driving for six years and eight months. In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said the accident was yet another painful reminder that driving under the influence of drugs is a deadly decision that puts innocent road users at serious risk.

Yeovil Hospital has been criticised for what it charges visitors to park on the hospital site. It follows a Freedom of Information request by the Royal College of Nursing that showed Yeovil Hospital collected £40,300 in parking charges last year from motorists using the multi-storey car park, opposite the main hospital building. Speaking at a meeting of the NHS Somerset integrated care board, Ray Tostevin, a Yeovil and District Trades Union Council member, called for parking charges at Yeovil Hospital to be reduced, and eventually abolished.

A Somerset woman has swum the English Channel from Dover to France raising money for Yeovil Hospital. Hannah Litchfield completed the crossing in 12 hours and four minutes and raised £1,500.

A best scarecrow competition is taking place in the village of Barrington with rivalry between homeowners to win first prize. Scarecrows on display include Woody from Toy Story, Spiderman, and Beefy Botham.

A woman in Chiselborough is taking part in the Global 6K Walk for Water challenge. Hannah Lefeuvre is walking 6 kilometres every day this week, helping to bring clean water to vulnerable children and their communities. Hannah has so far raised £500 for World Vision UK who organise the Global 6K Walk for Water challenge.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more