Wednesday 10th April

Wednesday, 10 April 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A former sub-postmaster from Wincanton says she's having to work a 70-hour week to pay off debts she incurred due to the Post Office IT scandal. Two people have been fined for illegal fishing in Yeovil. Images of wildlife taken by a photographer in Somerton have been chosen to feature on a new set of charity cards...and more.

A former sub-postmaster from Wincanton has described Alan Bates as a hero for the evidence that he gave at the public enquiry into the Post Office IT scandal. Tracey Merritt was prosecuted over alleged losses at her post office but had the charges later dropped. She’s still waiting to hear if she will be paid compensation. Tracey says when the Post Office terminated her employment, she was left with huge debts that she’s now having to work a 70-hour week to pay them off.

Two people have been fined for illegal fishing while on a visit to Yeovil. Appearing before magistrates in Swindon, Mark Varney, from Coventry was found fishing without a licence at Pavyotts Mill Lakes off the Dorchester Road and was ordered to pay £360 in fines. At the same hearing, Magdalena Maslak from Nuneaton was also found fishing without a licence at the same location and was ordered to pay fines of £255. The cases were brought by the Environment Agency who say illegal fishing undermines their efforts to protect fish stocks.

It’s expected that work upgrading gas pipes on the A37 Dorchester Road in Yeovil will be completed by the end of the month. Wales and West Utilities say they’re on target to remove the two-way traffic lights on the A37 off the Quick Silver Mail roundabout and also lift the road closure on East Coker Road by the scheduled date of Sunday, April 28th.

A photographer in Somerton has had his images chosen to feature on a set of new charity cards. Six photos taken by Ben Pulletz appear on the greeting cards being sold by the Co-op to raise money for the RSPB. Ben says being recognised by the Co-op has made all the hours he’s spent building his career seem worthwhile.

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