Tuesday 10th June

Tuesday, 10 June 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A mother from Chard says schools need to do more to identify students with dyslexia. A fire in a van that caught alight at Stoke-sub-Hamdon is being treated as accidental. A former Yeovil-based police officer, who made it appear he was working when he wasn’t, has been barred from policing...and more

A mother from Chard says schools need to do more to identify students with dyslexia so they can receive help earlier. Carinna Parsons had to fight for years to get a diagnosis for her daughter. She was one of the contributors to a programme about Dyslexia presented by Jamie Oliver and broadcast last night on Channel Four.

A fire in a van that started when a can of petrol caught alight at Stoke-sub-Hamdon is being treated as accidental. Onlookers reported hearing an explosion as the fire took hold within the vehicle at the top of Windsor Lane. The van was completely burnt out. No one was hurt.

A former Yeovil-based police officer, who deliberately held down the keys on his laptop to make it appear he was working when he wasn’t, has been barred from the police force. PC Liam Reakes was found to have committed gross misconduct at a misconduct hearing, having held down the keys on his laptop between June and September of last year, resulting in the loss of more than 100 hours of police work time.

An architect behind plans to build a tidal lagoon in the Bristol Channel says it could provide up to 3% of the country’s electricity needs. The Severn Estuary Commission has carried out research and states that a lagoon in the Bristol Channel would significantly contribute to meeting the UK's electricity demand, which is expected to double over the next 25 years.

Police have charged a woman from Chard with carrying out two burglaries in Winsham. Bianca Rocha, aged 31, is accused of breaking into two properties last Saturday. She is also accused of one count of assaulting an emergency worker.

Bonners the Butchers have been named winners of the business section of this year’s Ilminster scarecrow competition. Milford and Dormer Solicitors were second. The Chair Ladies came third.

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more