Monday 7th October

Monday, 7 October 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A new breast cancer unit opens to patients at Yeovil Hospital today. The Lib Dems have held the Summerlands seat on Yeovil Town Council in a by-election. School children in Yeovil have been helping to plant sixty thousand snowdrop bulbs at Montecute House...and more.

Yeovil’s new breast cancer unit opens for the first time to patients today. The new building at Yeovil Hospital means those attending for treatment can be seen in one building rather than having to move around different departments on the hospital site. The centre has cost two and a half million pounds with the bulk of the money raised through events and donations.

The Lib Dems have held the Summerlands seat on Yeovil Town Council in a by-election. Justice Jimba for the Lib Dems polled 292 votes against closest rival Ray Tostevin for the Yeovil Independents on 176 votes. Robert Wood for the Greens came third on 50 votes and Terry Ledlie for Labour fourth on 42 votes.

Somerset Rivers Authority has released its latest Annual Report outlining projects it has funded in the year 2023-24. The SRA was established following the major flooding event on the Somerset Levels in 2023 to reduce the risk of flooding. In the year 2023-24, it spent four million pounds on flood defence works, including an urban run-off scheme in Chard.

Organisers of the Shindig festival say they’ll hold it again but not in Somerset. The last three festivals, described as a celebration of art, music, and freedom, have taken place on the Dillington Estate, near Ilminster. Organisers say the 2025 event will be staged in the Cotswolds but haven’t given an exact location.

The Managing Director of The Gardens Group, based in Sherborne, has been given a top award. Mike Burks was presented with the Pearson Memorial Medal by the Horticultural Trades Association for his environmental work running Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester.

School children in Yeovil have been helping to plant sixty thousand snowdrop bulbs at Montecute House. The bulbs should appear in February in the gardens of the National Trust property.

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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
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more