Tuesday 4th August

Tuesday, 4 August 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Somerset doctor is calling for better community eye care. People in Glastonbury and Street are benefiting from a new bus service to Castle Cary railway station. A sailor from South Petherton is celebrating after sailing around the world... and more

A Somerset doctor is calling for better community eye care after new research found around 400,000 visits to A&E every year for eye problems could be treated elsewhere. Dr James Gagg, Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and based at Musgrove Park Hospital, says expanding local services would ease pressure on emergency departments.

People in Glastonbury and Street are benefiting from a new seven-day-a-week bus service to Castle Cary railway station. The new 567 route is designed to improve access to rail connections and make public transport easier for local communities.

Drivers crossing the Somerset Levels are being warned to expect delays, with month-long roadworks now underway on the A361 at Burrowbridge. The road is closed while new traffic lights are installed on the bridge over the River Parrett. A 21-mile diversion is in place via the M5 and the A38.

Beavers are helping wildlife survive the hot, dry weather on the Blackdown Hills. Researchers say the dams and ponds they create are holding water in the landscape, providing valuable wetland habitats during the heatwave.

A sailor from South Petherton is celebrating after completing a 40-thousand nautical mile voyage around the world. Amy Smith served as first mate aboard a team in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which gives people from all backgrounds the chance to compete in ocean racing.

And the Somerset homelessness charity Arc is marking its fiftieth anniversary. Formerly known as the Taunton Association for the Homeless, the charity says reaching the milestone is an opportunity to reflect on five decades of supporting vulnerable people across the county.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more