Wednesday 8th May

Wednesday, 8 May 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A woman driver has been told she faces a prison term for causing the deaths of two people in a crash on the A303. The AA says there are more potholes than ever on Somerset’s motorway network, leading to an increase in damage to vehicles. The new cancer treatment unit at Yeovil Hospital should be open before the end of the year...and more.

A woman driver has been told she faces a prison term over the deaths of two people in a crash on the A303 at Camel Hill near Queen Camel. Appearing at Taunton Crown Court, Jessica Higgs, aged 20, from Warminster, pleaded guilty to two charges of causing the deaths of Tony Mist and Thelma Huse by dangerous driving while under the influence of drugs when her van collided with the couple's car in May last year. She was released on unconditional bail and will return to Court in August for sentencing.

The AA says there are more potholes than ever on Somerset’s motorway network, leading to increased vehicle damage. The motoring association says the last 18 months have been the worst for call-outs to tyre punctures because of potholes, especially in lane one of the M5.

Train passengers in Somerset are facing more disruption on the railways. An overtime by the drivers' union, ASLEF, is in place on Cross Country and GWR services until Saturday.

Somerset’s Home Library Service is looking for people to lead its teams of volunteers in Yeovil, Chard and Crewkerne. Home Library Service is a free service available to people who are housebound, those who are carers, or people vulnerable because of their health.

According to one of the fundraisers on the project, the new cancer treatment unit at Yeovil Hospital should be open before the end of the year. Karina Parsons says raising the £2.5 million needed to build the centre has been an amazing journey and that, hopefully, it won't be too long before the unit opens.

Chard Rugby Club have appointed a new head coach. Steve Pape, who played as a second-row forward for Bristol, Gloucester, Rosslyn Park and London Scottish during a long career will lead Chard into the 2024/25 season.

More from News

Tuesday 1st September

One person had to be cut free from a vehicle following a two-vehicle collision on the A30 near Chard. A Yeovil man has been jailed for 7-and-a-half years for supplying cocaine and cannabis. Two Somerset teenagers have become the youngest to swim the Bristol Channel... and more
Friday 28th August

An organisation that investigates loan sharks has opened a branch in Taunton. Free parking on Sundays in Somerset's main towns could end just before Christmas. Local communities in and around Draycott will be able to take advantage of a shuttle bus service... and more.
Thursday 27th August

A 21 mile stretch of the M5 is to be given a 50mph speed limit for three years. Chard remains a safe place to work, live and visit say Avon & Somerset Police. Sunflowers of Somerset is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a photography competition and community activities... and more.
Wednesday 26th August

Two people have been arrested and released under investigation after the death of a baby in Crewkerne. A large sand picture of the prime minister has appeared in Burnham On Sea. The wet winter and hot summer means cider producers are struggling with their yields... and more.
Tuesday 25th August

Fire crews have been dealing with a fire in Ilchester which broke out yesterday afternoon. Somerset’s frontline health services say heatwaves and tourism are making their jobs more difficult. A Chard health store has been named Natural Lifestyle Retailer of the Year.. and more.
Monday 24th August

The Chair of the NFU has repeated calls for a longer-term plan to tackle bluetongue, Three men have been jailed for their involvement in car key burglaries in Somerset. Police say they’re treating a fire in Norton Fitzwarren as suspicious... and more.
Friday 21st August

Adam Dance MP has added his voice to those criticising this week’s Channel 4 documentary on ADHD. Visitors can now explore more of Ham Hill with a new off-road mobility scooter hiring scheme. Young people are being encouraged to join the Ilminster Carnival children’s procession... and more.
Thursday 20th August

Castle Cary railway station’s makeover has been officially unveiled. A new 18 million pound diagnostic centre in Bridgwater has opened. A Crewkerne teenager has been named ‘coach of the year’ for his work with Bristol City.... and more.