Thursday 14th March

Thursday, 14 March 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A new campaign is urging people in Somerset to quit smoking as health experts estimate that around sixty thousand people still smoke cigarettes across the county. An Ilminster man caught driving while disqualified has been jailed for eight weeks. A Somerset couple are preparing to travel to Ukraine to deliver a vehicle for use on the frontline in the war against Russia...and more.

A new campaign's urging people in Somerset to quit smoking as health experts estimate around sixty thousand people still smoke cigarettes across the county. This week marks the 40th anniversary of No Smoking Day and the release of a new TV anti-smoking advert backed by Cancer Research UK.

An Ilminster man caught driving while disqualified has been jailed for eight weeks after breaching a court order. Morgan Freeman, aged 25, of Ile Court, in Ilminster, was appearing at Taunton Magistrates' Court for failing to comply with the requirements of a community order. The court was told that Freeman had failed to attend appointments as directed. Magistrates revoked the community order and sentenced him for the original offence of driving while disqualified.

Somerset Council is selling Petters House on Petters Way in Yeovil. The building was operated as a customer access point by South Somerset District Council before being transferred to the new Somerset Council in April 2023. A new customer access point will be introduced at Yeovil Library.

A fund has reopened to provide fresh support to veterans in Somerset injured during military service. Ex-service personnel can apply to the fund being administered by the charity Help for Heroes to get financial help with specialist equipment.

A Somerset couple are preparing to travel to Ukraine to deliver a vehicle for use on the frontline. Ed Chalmers and Katie Hines will travel the thirteen hundred miles over 3-days to Ukraine on behalf of the charity, Driving Ukraine, which so far has delivered seventy vehicles to the country to use in the war against Russia.

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