Thursday 24th September

Thursday, 24 September 2026 06:30

Somerset Council has approved a multi-million pound scheme to tackle flooding in the county. A person had to be transferred to hospital after an incident in Chard. A North Curry travellers’ site must be vacated by Christmas... and more.

Somerset Council has approved a multi-million pound scheme to tackle flooding in the county. The government has provided £50m which will be spent on improving drainage and local flood defences. It follows years of major flooding incidents across the county including the latest which hit in January. The plan for how to spend the cash was decided on by the council's executive committee yesterday and a Flood Resilience Fund Programme Advistory Group (PAG) has been established to monitor progress and keep all parties informed as the scheme progresses.

A person had to be transferred to hospital by air ambulance on Tuesday night, after an incident near Greggs on Chard’s Tapstone Business Park. Emergency services were called to the location at 8.45pm and confirmed a person had been taken to Yeovil District Hospital.

A North Curry travellers’ site must be vacated by Christmas after Somerset Council secured a final injunction at the High Court. The Greenacres site on Oxen Lane has been subject to a number of legal challenges since 2009, with what was described as “unauthorised work” beginning in October 2024. The High Court hearing means the remaining residents have been given three months to leave.

To mark International Week of Deaf People, Avon & Somerset Police are reminding us how the hard of hearing and deafblind people can contact them. In emergencies, callers can use British Sign Language using the 999 BSL video relay service or app. For the equivalent of a non-emergency 101 call, the ‘Convo’ service can be used, connecting caller to a qualified online sign language interpreter. Text Relay can also be used. Meanwhile, Avon & Somerset Police have a number of sign language and deaf awareness-trained staff. Details here.

An Ilminster-based pest control company has been named sole trader of the year at the National Pest Awards. Squeak-a-Boo Pest Management was revealed as the winner at a ceremony in London earlier this month.

More from News

Thursday 8th October

Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally. Wells market has received national recognition...and more
Wednesday 7th October

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more
Tuesday 6th October

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more
Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.
Thursday 1st October

765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Wednesday 30th September

Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Tuesday 29th September

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.