Tuesday 10th June

Tuesday, 10 June 2025 at 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.

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