Wednesday 6th November

Wednesday, 6 December 2023 at 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.

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