Wednesday 19th March

Wednesday, 19 March 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A new report says survival rates from ovarian cancer in Somerset are among the best in England. Farmers say it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed due to criminal gangs using farmland for illegal hare coursing. A Victorian chemist shop, originally situated on the High Street in South Petherton, is being moved to a theme park in County Durham...and more

A new report says survival rates from ovarian cancer in Somerset are among the best in England. Somerset’s success is attributed to patients being diagnosed quicker, and treatments being made available locally, avoiding the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment.

Following an Ofsted inspection, Little Beeches Nursery in Crewkerne has been rated ‘Good’. The nursery at Maiden Beech Academy was praised for its education and management quality.

Fourteen new detectives have started work at Avon and Somerset Police. The officers, recruited from the Police National Training Academy, will investigate complex cases within the Criminal Investigation Department.

Somerset Council is being asked to allow people with learning disabilities to use concessionary bus passes at all times. Bus users are campaigning for the change after Bath and North East Somerset confirmed that concessionary passes, held by people with learning disabilities, can be used at all times. Somerset Council says it has no plans at the moment to change the guidelines for using concessionary bus passes.

Farmers say it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed due to criminal gangs using farmland for illegal hare coursing. Avon and Somerset Police has increased patrols in the Mendip area following an increase in illegal hare coursing by organized gangs.

A 20-year-old cherry orchard at a farm in Chard has been cut down due to the owner's retirement. The owners of Whitehouse Farm in Knowle Lane say after “much consideration” they have decided to grub the orchard after failing to find someone to take over running the orchard.

A Victorian chemist shop, originally situated on the High Street in South Petherton, is moving to County Durham. The inside and front of the shop was collapsed and re-built as part of a Victorian village at Flambards theme park in Helston that closed last year. Now, the village display, including the chemist shop from South Petherton, is being moved to an attraction in Bishop Auckland.

More from News

Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.