Wednesday 19th March

Wednesday, 19 March 2025 at 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

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