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.

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Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more