Tuesday 21st January

Tuesday, 21 January 2025 05:00

By Steve Haigh

A Yeovil man, who drove while on drugs, injuring two children, has been given a one-year suspended prison sentence. Somerset cider maker, Thatchers, has won a trademark battle against Aldi. Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre is looking for more land for its animals...and more.

A Yeovil man who drove while on drugs and injured two children has been sentenced. Bournemouth Crown Court was told that Stephen Farrant was driving a cement mixer on the A30 towards Sherborne when he contravened a red traffic signal and crashed into a car turning into Sheeplands Lane. The passengers, two children aged 10 and 11, sustained serious injuries. Farrant, who had pleaded guilty to careless driving and driving while over the legal drug limit at an earlier hearing, was given a twelve-month suspended prison sentence and disqualified from driving for three years.

A 10-year programme of work to dredge Somerset's rivers means nearby villages are less likely to flood, according to Somerset Rivers Authority. The organisation was set up in the aftermath of the 2014 floods that left communities on the Somerset Levels cut off for months.

Drivers face a diversion of 21 miles from tomorrow when a road on the Somerset Levels closes for repairs. The A361 along Fore Street and High Street in the village of Othery will be shut for 13 nights between January 22nd and February 8th. It’s to allow for the A361 through Othery to be resurfaced. During the closure, traffic will be diverted through Bridgwater and along the M5 corridor.

Somerset cider maker, Thatchers, has won a long-running trademark battle in the Court of Appeal against Aldi over the labelling of a lemon cider drink.

A Somerset wildlife charity is looking for more land to home its animals. Secret World Wildlife Rescue rehabilitates injured animals before releasing them back into the wild.

Yeovil Recycling Centre will be closed on Friday, January 31st. It’s for resurfacing work to take place. If you’re planning a visit to the Yeovil Recycling Centre on Friday, January 31st, you’re asked instead to take your items to the recycling sites in Chard and Somerton. The Yeovil site will re-open as normal on Saturday, February 1st.

More from News

Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
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