The village of Thornford near Sherborne has unofficially twinned with Ukraine. Businesses in Chard say ongoing road works in the town are putting people off coming into their shops. Plans have been submitted for temporary permission to extend a stone quarry near Chard. Verbal abuse shouted at rugby referees is on the increase in Somerset and boulders are being put on the road leading to Glastonbury Tor to stop people parking.
The village of Thornford near Sherborne has unofficially twinned with Ukraine. To show solidarity with the people of Ukraine against Russian forces, locals in Thornford have put up a sign at the entrance to the village stating ‘Thornford Twinned with Ukraine’.
Businesses in Chard say ongoing road works in the town are putting people off coming into their shops. The work is part of a regeneration programme and includes introducing more trees and seating areas. But it's led to large areas of on-street parking being inaccessible. South Somerset District Council say it's been liaising with local shops to minimise disruption and has launched a grant scheme for those businesses that wish to renovate their shop fronts
Plans have been submitted for temporary permission to extend a stone quarry near Chard. A decision on the application to extend the Chard Junction Quarry at Westford Park Farm is due to be made by South Somerset District Council within the next three months.
Verbal abuse shouted at rugby referees is on the increase in Somerset. The Somerset Rugby Referees Society says the behaviour of fans, coaches, and players in recent months has grown to unacceptable levels. They claim the bad behaviour often starts with spectators and coaches and then causes a reaction from the players, making it difficult for referees to manage the game. The Rugby Referees Society is appealing for everyone at matches, to show referees more respect.
Boulders are being put on the road leading to Glastonbury Tor to stop people parking. Police say parking on the double yellow lines around the base of The Tor blocks farm traffic and emergency vehicles. Work putting the boulders in place has started and will last for three weeks. Police say blue badge holders will still be able to park in the designated spaces around The Tor.
Somerset Council says a government review of adult social care could cause the Council to go bankrupt. A pilot scheme in Somerset aimed at cutting hospital admissions to A&E by the most vulnerable patients has shown a 50 per cent reduction in visits. Somerset celebrity chef Josh Eggleton is converting a double-decker bus to help promote healthier eating in schools...and more.
Bruton Primary School is the latest to have a barrier installed outside the school to stop parents parking when dropping off and picking up children. A man has appeared in court charged with being drunk and disorderly at Yeovil Hospital. A veteran of World War Two in Castle Cary has been awarded France’s highest military and civil distinction...and more
A Chard woman has appeared in court after driving her car towards a crowd of people who, she claimed, were causing a disturbance. Crewkerne residents will soon be provided with a new banking hub. Work has started removing 14 trees along the embankment of Chard Reservoir...and more
A Yeovil man has been arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child. A Community Fridge in Shepton Mallet says it saved ten tonnes of unwanted food from going to landfill in the run-up to Christmas. Somerset Council has started collecting empty toothpaste tubes for recycling at the kerbside for the first time...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses after two people died in a car crash near Shepton Mallet. A new passing loop could be introduced on the rail line between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill stations. St Margaret’s Hospice has thanked the public for making this year’s Christmas Tree Recycling project their most successful ever...and more
Plans to build forty-six new homes in Castle Cary have been rejected for a third time. Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has no plans to step down from his dual role as a member of Somerset Council. Rug Ratz in Yeovil is closing permanently today, leaving the town without a children's soft play space...and more.
Yeovil Hospital has declared a critical incident due to a sharp rise in flu admissions putting pressure on bed spaces. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, joined campaigners and colleagues in Downing Street this week to hand in a petition calling for action to tackle the shortage of NHS dentists. Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been replaced as England's Red Roses captain for 2025 season... and more
Police say three children, missing from their home in Essex, have been found safe and well in Wincanton. Yeovil Hospital is asking visitors to A&E to wear facemasks to help avoid the spread of infection. Long traffic queues can be expected in Chard over the next nine months. A new arts and music performance space has opened in Crewkerne...and more.