Tuesday 12th December

Tuesday, 12 December 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

South Western Ambulance say they have more staff and vehicles at their disposal going into this winter, than they did going into the previous two winters. The rail line between Yeovil and Exeter remains closed again today following last week's landslip near Crewkerne Tunnel. A decision is expected before Christmas on whether a new football stadium will be built in Chard...and more.

South Western Ambulance say they have more staff and vehicles at their disposal going into this winter, than they did going into the previous two winters. To help with the expected higher demand, they’re asking people to only dial 999 in life-threatening situations.

Nearly a week after bad weather caused a landslip at the entrance to Crewkerne Tunnel the rail line between Yeovil and Exeter remains closed. It follows delays caused by the wet conditions removing around 300 tonnes of debris from near the tunnel. The line between Yeovil and Salisbury reopened yesterday but the section between Yeovil and Exeter isn’t expected to reopen until tomorrow.

A decision is expected before Christmas on whether a new football stadium and nearly 300 new homes should be built in Chard. The development, including a new ground for Chard Town Football Club, would be built on land between Thorndun Park Drive and Crimchard, on the northern edge of Chard. Access to the homes and stadium would be from Thorndun Park Drive, with existing footpaths, including the link around Chard Bowls Club, being enhanced. Somerset Council's Planning Committee South is due to meet to discuss the plans on Tuesday, December 19th.

The mother of Tobias Turley from Street, who won the ITV series 'Mamma Mia I Have a Dream' says her son winning the competition has been an incredible achievement. Tobias, who’s 23, will now play the lead role of Sky, alongside fellow winner Stevie Doc, who'll play Sophie in the West End production of the ABBA musical.

Money is being raised to build a heritage centre in Ilminster. The town’s History Society which gathers information and documents about Ilminster’s history is looking for a permanent place to store its collection. It’s planning several events to raise the £10,000 needed to fund the project.

Members of 1st Ilminster Scouts have been learning about the workings of local government as part of UK Parliament Week. During a visit to Ilminster Town Council, the scouts took part in a mock council meeting, acting in the role of councillors, with the Mayor, Councillor Leanne Taylor, and the Town Clerk, Mark Tredwin, overseeing the proceedings.

More from News

Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more