Tuesday 10th February

Tuesday, 10 February 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Eye operations in Somerset have been cancelled, due to a private company running out of NHS funding to provide the surgery. A local MP is calling for the permanent installation of pumps on the Somerset Levels to reduce the flood risk. A £3 million pound project has begun to refurbish the grand organ at Wells Cathedral... and more

Eye operations in Somerset have been cancelled, due to a private company running out of NHS funding to provide the surgery. It's reported that SpaMedica in Taunton has fulfilled the 2-thousand procedures it was contracted to deliver and is rescheduling operations for the next financial year. Sheila Jeffrey, from Chard, is one of the patients affected. She was booked for a cataract operation in February but her appointment was postponed due to there being no money to pay for it..

A local MP is calling for the permanent installation of pumps on the Somerset Levels to reduce the flood risk. Taunton and Wellington MP, Gideon Amos, says a better solution to flooding on the Levels needs to be found.

Touches Lane near Chard Reservoir could be turned into a 'green lane' to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Somerset Council wants to stop vehicles using parts of the road and is asking people for their comments. The consultation on the Somerset Council’s website runs to February 24th.

Taunton Library is celebrating 30-years at its current home in Paul Street in the town centre. The Friends of Taunton Library have held an event to mark the occasion.

Work has begun on a £3 million pound project to refurbish the grand organ at Wells Cathedral. Pipes, electrical systems, and the console have been removed for sending to a specialist organ repairer in Durham.

Local woodworking retailer, Yandle and Sons in Martock is expanding. A new warehouse is being built to support Yandles online business, together with a Sawmill Shop for customers to collect items, and 96 new parking spaces.

More from News

Monday 9th February

Multiple flood alerts and warnings remain in place across South Somerset following the weekend’s heavy rainfall. Work starts today repairing a sinkhole on Station Road in Castle Cary. A business in Crewkerne is closing after 50-years trading in the town... and more
Friday 6th September

Leonardo has announced a major deal to build helicopters in India. Campaigners trying to set up a new bus link to Castle Cary railway station from Glastonbury say they need 150 thousand pounds of council money. A community event is being held in Chard for charities and service providers to showcase their activities.... and more
Thursday 5th February

The NHS in Somerset is the first in the country to trial an online self-referral service for breast cancer. The MET office has confirmed that January was the wettest in Somerset since 2014. The MET office has confirmed that January was the wettest in Somerset since 2014... and more
Wednesday 4th February

Somerset Council is asking the government for extra funds to pay for the damage caused by Storm Chandra. There’s been a setback to the campaign to reopen Chinnock Hollow. The Telegraph newspaper has named the Barrington Boar at Barrington in a list of the top 50 best pubs in the UK... and more
Tuesday 3rd February

Five flood warnings remain in place in Somerset covering the rivers Parrett, Yeo, Northmoor and Saltmoor. Somerset Council says it has no plans to demolish a derelict listed building near Chard Leisure Centre. A Yeovil farm shop has been honoured at a national awards ceremony... and more
Monday 2nd February

The Met Office has issued a warning of more heavy rain for Somerset. A survey by Somerset Council shows nearly two-thirds of households would be happy to pay more in council tax. Yeovil Town Council is offering free allotment spaces to support people’s wellbeing... and more
Friday 30th January

Data from the weather centre at RNAS Yeovilton shows rainfall in Somerset was almost double the average for January. A disabled man is taking Somerset Council to the High Court, claiming its council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is seeking urgent support to replenish its stocks of hay... and more
Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more