Thursday 24th October

Thursday, 24 October 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

More plastic wrapping and bags are to be recycled in Somerset. A house in Yeovil was damaged by a fire that started when two dogs accidentally turned on a gas hob. Members of Chard Inner Wheel Club have been marking 74 years of the club’s existence...and more

More plastic wrapping and bags are to be recycled in Somerset. It follows a successful trial in which three and a half thousand households were invited to add soft plastic items to their kerbside collection. Mickey Greene, Executive Director of Climate and Place at Somerset Council, says the move will help reduce waste going to landfills.

A house in Yeovil was smoke-damaged by a fire that started when two dogs accidentally turned on a gas hob. The dogs were alone in the house and looking for food when they caught a switch turning on the hob. A neighbour, who heard an alarm go off, called the fire service who rescued both dogs unharmed. Meanwhile, a blaze in a building at Henson Park in Chard is being treated as arson. It happened on Wednesday at around 9 pm with crews from Chard and Ilminster in attendance. Police are asking anyone with video of the fire or, knowledge of who might be responsible, to please call the non-emergency number 101.

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with disorderly behaviour at Yeovil Hospital. The court was told that Andrew Spear, aged 35, of Hillcrest Road, used abusive language towards staff after being taken to Yeovil Hospital by police following concerns about his welfare. Magistrates told Spear the incident had been very unpleasant for staff and other people in the hospital and fined him £120 and £85 in costs.

Members of the Chard Inner Wheel Club have been marking 74 years of the club’s existence. They gathered for a lunch at Hornsbury Mill where they were entertained by a talk about Chard-born Margaret Bonfield, who holds the record for being the first female Labour MP to hold a cabinet position.

Two-way traffic lights will be operating on Furnham Road in Chard from tomorrow to allow Wales and West Utilities to carry out essential work to a gas pipe.

More from News

Wednesday 4th November

People in Somerset will go to the polls in May 2028 to elect a new mayor for the Wessex region. A Somerset farmer who failed a breath test after being caught asleep at the wheel of his tractor has narrowly avoided losing his driving licence. The new Ham Hill Visitor Centre has been named a regional winner in the Building Excellence Awards 2026... and more
tuesday 3rd November

Somerset Council says it doesn’t have the money to improve its planning enforcement team. Drivers are being advised that work to replace the central barrier on the M5 near Wellington starts this week. A health food shop in Chard has been crowned High Street Shop of the Year... and more
Monday 2nd November

A motorist was caught driving at 133mph on the A303 between Podimore and Sparkford, according to newly released data from Avon and Somerset Police. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre closed for the last time at the weekend. Public firework displays in Ilminster and Martock have been cancelled due to rising costs... and more
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.