Tuesday 26th March

Tuesday, 26 March 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

More than two hundred and fifty new homes are to be built on the northern edge of Yeovil following a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. The Shindig Music Festival, held on the Dillington Estate near Ilminster, has announced that this year's event will be their last. A hip replacement procedure at Yeovil Hospital, that can be done without patients needing an overnight hospital stay, has won a top award...and more.

More than two hundred and fifty new homes are to be built on the northern edge of Yeovil following a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Developers, Yeovil LVA put forward outline plans in April 2022 to build the homes on the northern side of the A359 Mudford Road. The developer lodged an appeal in October 2023 on the grounds of non-determination, arguing that Somerset Council and its predecessor, South Somerset District Council had taken too long to make a decision. Following a public inquiry in January this year, the Planning Inspectorate has ruled in the developer's favour, with more detailed proposals expected later in the year.

A Somerset wildlife charity is highlighting the risk that litter poses to wildlife after a fox was found dead with a crisp packet stuck on its head. Secret World Wildlife Rescue was called out to help the animal but their intervention came too late.

The Shindig Music Festival, held on the Dillington Estate near Ilminster, has announced that this year's event will be their last. Organisers say the challenging landscape of the events industry and a lack of government support, have made it increasingly difficult for independent festivals to operate. This year, the Shindig Festival will celebrate its 10th birthday when it takes place at the end of May.

Purple chairs are being installed in libraries across Somerset to provide a safe space for women and girls to get information about health and wellbeing. They can be found in seven libraries, including Chard and Yeovil. There will also be support and resources available on issues such as breast cancer, cervical screening and domestic abuse.

A Yeovil man was among three people arrested following an alleged assault in Wimborne. Dorset Police say it resulted in another man sustaining a broken jaw and needing hospital treatment. Following an appeal for witnesses, Police arrested three people, including an eighteen-year-old from Yeovil and two other men who live in the Blandford area. All three have been released under investigation, as enquiries continue.

A hip replacement procedure at Yeovil Hospital, that can be done without patients needing an overnight hospital stay, has won a top award. The procedure involves patients being assessed, operated on, and discharged from hospital on the same day. The procedure took home first prize in the ‘Best Elective Care Recovery Initiative’ category at the national HSJ Partnership Awards held in London.

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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