Tuesday 7th January

Tuesday, 7 January 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Firefighters have used a boat to rescue a man trapped in a submerged van in floodwaters at Isle Abbots. Businesses in Somerset say there was a return to High Street buying over Christmas. The search is on locally for places where new homes and business premises could be built. Astro-tourism took off in Somerset last year, with hundreds coming to the County to view the Northern Lights...and more.

Firefighters had to use a boat to rescue a man trapped in a submerged van in floodwaters at Isle Abbots. Yesterday morning, a fire crew from Ilminster and a rescue team from Bridgwater wearing flood suits used the boat to bring the driver safely onto dry land.

Businesses in Somerset say there was a return to High Street buying over Christmas, with footfall in some of our local towns up 20 per cent. Owner of Mundys, the florists, in Street, Rob Haywood, said it was good to see people supporting their local shops.

A Yeovil nursery has installed a new defibrillator for public use. The defibrillator at Little Discoveries on Stiby Road was bought following a fundraising campaign led by Nursery manager, Naomi Bartin, in memory of her younger sister, Sasha.

The search is on for places in Somerset where new homes and business premises could be built. Somerset Council is drawing up plans for new developments and wants to hear from landowners who have sites that might be suitable for building.

Langport Young Farmers are recycling Christmas trees again this year. They’re raising money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, the Farming Community Network and MS UK. The Club says it will collect trees within a five-mile radius of Langport.

People have been flocking to one part of Somerset to view the night sky. Exmoor National Park says so-called Astro-tourism took off last year with hundreds visiting the area to witness the Northern Lights and meteor showers.

Furnham Road in Chard will be closed for the next five months for work to be carried out on two major infrastructure schemes. Wessex Water is installing a new sewer flood alleviation scheme and Wales and West upgrading a gas main.

More from News

Tuesday 17th September

Plans have been submitted to build 61 new homes between Montacute and Stoke-sub-Hamdon. Organisers of Langport Triathlon say it’ll be a few more days before they’re able to give out the results in the cycling section following a medical emergency in the crowd at Sunday's event. A new town crier is wanted in Wells...and more.
Monday 15th September

NHS Somerset says it’s 'fully committed' to re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital, but won't say when it will reopen. Water levels at Somerset's reservoirs have dropped below 50%, despite the recent heavy rain. A charity shop in Martock has reunited a long-lost compass with its owner after he lost it 70 years ago...and more
Friday 12th September

One of Somerset's most prominent horse trainers says planned tax increases on remote betting could be a ‘nail in the coffin’ for horse racing. An Ilchester man has been arrested in connection with a burglary in West Dorset. Somerset Council’s Chief Executive and other senior officers have been given a 3.2% pay rise...and more
Thursday 11th September

A bill put forward by Yeovil MP Adam Dance, calling for better awareness of pupil neurodivergent behaviour in schools, has passed its first reading in the Commons. Around 40 thousand people in Somerset could have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Dozens of bikers will take to the roads in Somerset this weekend in support of a breast cancer charity...and more
Wednesday 10th September

Yeovil Town Football Club has been given a two-year extension to buy back Huish Park from Somerset Council. A takeaway business in Bridgwater has been stripped of its licence after three employees were discovered working there illegally. A company in South Chard has been celebrating its 200th anniversary...and more
Tuesday 9th September

People are being asked to comment on proposals to introduce Sunday charges at Somerset Council-run car parks. A Pilton man has been jailed after cannabis valued at £28,500 was found at his home. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has started an appeal to raise £1 million...and more.
Monday 8th September

Farmers in Somerset will be driving their tractors to protest at Labour’s annual Party Conference in Liverpool later this month. A Somerset animal rescue centre says it’s dealing with a surge in the number of large dog breeds being surrendered or rehomed. The George Inn in Ilminster has announced that it will be reopening to customers on Monday, September 15th...and more
Friday 5th September

A large water leak in Yeovil closed part of Middle Street last night whilst repairs took place. A Somerset MP has been voicing his concerns over warnings of future flood dangers in the county. The Wincanton branch of Lidl could be demolished to be replaced with a bigger store...and more.