Thursday 7th March

Thursday, 7 March 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The number of people killed in road accidents in Somerset last year was the highest for a decade. The public toilets in Yeovil bus station will shut at the end of the month as part of cost-cutting measures at Somerset Council. An event celebrating cultural diversity in Chard is being held this weekend...and more.

The number of people killed in accidents on Somerset’s roads last year was the highest for a decade. Thirty people died in 2023, a forty per cent increase on 2022. The high number of fatalities has been attributed to drink and drug driving, careless or inconsiderate driving, speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, and not wearing a seat belt. The Road Safety team at Somerset Council has now launched a new awareness campaign, aimed at making Somerset’s roads safer.

A council-run plant nursery in Yeovil is to close at the end of the month as part of cost-cutting measures at Somerset Council. The primary function of the nursery on the Lufton Trading Estate is to grow bedding plants for public parks and displays in Yeovil town centre. Meanwhile, Somerset Council is closing the public toilets in Yeovil Bus Station. Yeovil Town Council has been asked to take on running the toilets but has yet to make a firm decision.

Taunton Town Football Club says it’s facing a new winding-up order, due to the poor state of the club’s finances. With several home games rained off in the past few weeks, income has gone down and player’s wages have not been paid in full.

The production company behind the TV show Junior Bake Off says it's looking for applicants from Somerset for the next series. Love Productions, which is also behind the Great British Bake Off, says it would like to hear from boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 who have a love of baking. The deadline for applications is March 17th.

Australian cricketer Matt Renshaw has been signed by Somerset County Cricket Club for the 2024 season, marking his third stint at the club. He's played a total of 14 test matches for Australia and while playing for Somerset averaged a best of 146 runs.

An event celebrating cultural diversity in Chard is being held this weekend. Chard Together, featuring art, music, dance, and cuisine from around the world is a free event and takes place at The Guildhall across the day on Saturday.

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Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more