Wednesday 6th November

Wednesday, 6 December 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A well-known fish and chip shop in Yeovil is closing, with its owner blaming the poor state of the town centre for his decision. Plans have been approved to build a major new solar farm at Ilton near Ilminster. The Environment Agency is warning that more parts of South Somerset could flood in the next few days as river levels continue to rise...and more

A well-known fish and chip shop in Yeovil is closing, with its owner blaming the poor state of the town centre for his decision. Palmer’s on Market Street will cease trading on Saturday, December 16th, after 65 years of serving fish and chips. Owner, Clive Palmer, says a lack of on-street parking, and the ongoing disruption within Yeovil town centre, has led to the business becoming uneconomic.

Plans have been approved to build a major new solar farm at Ilton. Land off Merryfield Lane, close to Ilton Cricket Club, will be used for the scheme, with construction expected to start early in the New Year.

The Environment Agency is warning that more parts of South Somerset could flood as river levels rise in the next few days. The agency says the flood risk has increased with more rain and rivers at bursting point.

An inquest has been told how an elderly woman with dementia died after getting trapped under a stair-lift at a care home in Langport. Barbara Rymell was a resident at Ashley House in Langport, where the accident happened. The Somerset Senior Coroner said the emergency response had been hampered because two staff at the care home who called 999 didn't speak very good English and failed to communicate fully the seriousness of the situation.

A new report into the state of nature in Somerset says the County is experiencing a serious decline in numbers of insects and birds. The study from the Somerset Wildlife Trust says more than eleven per cent of grassland habitats have disappeared in the County in recent years.

A hair and beauty salon in Ilminster has won a top award. Transformations Hair, Beauty & Aesthetics, based at The North Barn Park on the Dillington Estate, has been named South West Luxury Spa of the Year in the English Beauty Industry Awards 2023.

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more