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.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more