Tuesday 10th February

Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 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

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more