Tuesday 20th August

Tuesday, 20 August 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Cameras connected to artificial intelligence that catch law-breaking drivers are being introduced on Somerset's roads. Police patrols have been stepped up at Millennium Wood in Castle Cary. A Somerset man has written a book about his father's role in the Battle of Arnhem in 1944...and more.

Cameras connected to artificial intelligence that catch law-breaking drivers are being introduced on Somerset's roads. It follows trials in Devon and Cornwall in which 117 mobile phone offences and 180 seat belt offences were detected within the first 72 hours of the system being switched on. Two cameras are used to take high-speed front-facing and overhead images of vehicles with AI detecting potential offences. The images are then verified by a real person to determine whether an offence has taken place.

Police patrols have been stepped up at Millennium Wood in Castle Cary after bird boxes and a memorial bench seat were vandalised. Police are treating the incident as criminal damage and ask that anyone with information, call the non-emergency number 101.

A Somerset insect expert says while there haven't been a lot of bugs around this summer, that's likely to change. Entemologist, Dee Patel says for the time of year, the combination of rainfall and heat has meant more ants, wasps, mosquitoes and slugs are now surfacing.

Young people struggling with their mental health are being offered extra support over the summer. Somerset MIND is running an out of hours youth safe space service for 13-to-25 year olds. Vicky Pool from Somerset MIND says it's teaching young people de-escalation techniques to reduce anxiety and stress.

A Somerset man has written a book based on his father's role in the Battle of Arnhem in 1944. Frank Hughes was part of Operation Market Garden in the Glider Pilot Regiment, where he silently flew behind enemy lines. ‘Veteran’ by Tan Hughes a month ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem.

A Chard woman's planning a skydive to raise much-needed cash for the Ferne Animal Sanctuary at Wambrook. Jackie Dennis, who describes herself as a devoted animal lover, will descend the 15,000 feet from the skies over Somerset on September 20th.

Yeovil Town have a game tonight. They take on Ebbsfleet United in a National League fixture at Huish Park, kick-off at 7.45 pm.

More from News

Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.