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.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more