Local fish and chip shop owners say they're struggling to stay open because of the rising cost of ingredients, and customers cutting back on eating out. A campaign’s been launched to stop the closure of the ticket office at Crewkerne railway station. A Somerton mother has set up a Facebook group for buying and selling school uniforms and a Somerset father says he’s concerned about his son losing his teeth because he can’t find an NHS dentist to look after him.
Local fish and chip shop owners say they're struggling to stay open because of the rising cost of ingredients, and customers cutting back on eating out. The price of cod has almost doubled over the past twelve months, and sunflower oil prices have soared since the invasion of Ukraine. The National Federation of Fish Fryers says 60 percent of chip shops have reduced their opening hours to keep energy costs down.
A campaign’s been launched to stop the closure of the ticket office at Crewkerne railway station. Local train users held a protest outside the station earlier this week holding-up signs saying “Cut profits, not ticket offices.” The protest follows reports that up to one thousand ticket offices at train stations across Britain could be closed and replaced with ticket machines.
A Somerton mother has set up a Facebook group for buying and selling school uniforms. Nikki Allen says the site has been extra busy with families swapping and buying uniforms from each other, with visits to the site higher than usual due to the cost-of-living crisis.
A Somerset father says he’s concerned about his son losing his teeth because he can’t find an NHS dentist to look after him. Ezekiel was born with a cleft palate and needs regular check-ups. His dad, Simon Pickard, says at the moment his only option to get treatment is to go private, which he can’t afford.
EDF has completed another milestone in constructing the new 'Hinkley C' nuclear power plant near Bridgwater. The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire opens today with helicopters built in Yeovil on display. A road leading to Chard reservoir, shut two months ago for strengthening work to a dam wall, has re-opened...and more
Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has serious concerns about plans that could see the closure of inpatient beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital. Ilminster residents are being asked to vote in a referendum on adopting a new neighbourhood plan for the town. An event in which people take part in a race against horses is returning to Somerset later this year...and more
A children’s play area in Ilminster has been closed on safety grounds after badger setts were found on the land. Somerset Council sold off £90m of property assets last year to help fight off bankruptcy. Crewkerne Community Hospital could be turned into a neighbourhood health centre...and more.
The fire service has blamed a discarded portable barbecue for starting a blaze at Ham Hill Country Park. A care home for people with autism and complex needs in Crewkerne has been rated 'good'. A seven-year-old Yeovil boy has set a new world record for completing the most number of consecutive sit-ups for his age group...and more
Somerset Council is warning motorists against scanning QR codes at its car parks payment meters. Chard Town Council is spending £10,000 on short-term youth provision over the summer months. Former Yeovil Town player Marcus Stewart says he wants to continue raising money towards finding a cure for motor neurone disease...and more.
A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.