Local News Wednesday 10th May

Tuesday, 9 May 2023 19:16

By Steve Haigh

A major incident has been declared with people evacuated from their homes following flash flooding in parts of South Somerset. A Somerset pharmacist is questioning whether chemist shops should be asked to prescribe medicines for common health conditions. One of Chard’s most important historic buildings has been saved for the nation. The public toilets at the Ilminster recreation ground have again been vandalised...and more.

A major incident has been declared with people evacuated from their homes following flash flooding in parts of South Somerset. The worst affected areas are Queen Camel, North and South Cadbury and Galhampton. Some roads are blocked with drivers asked not to drive through flooded roads. The Environment Agency is advising homeowners to take all necessary precautions to protect their homes from flooding in the affected areas.

A Somerset pharmacist is questioning asking chemist shops to prescribe medicines for common health conditions. The government is planning to introduce the new measure to free up millions of GP appointments. Mike Hewitson, a chemist in Norton-Sub-Hamdon near Yeovil, says pharmacists are already over-worked and that it may not be such a good idea.

One of Chard’s most important historic buildings has been saved for posterity. The Old Courthouse on Fore Street has been acquired by Somerset Council and leased to the Somerset Building Preservation Trust which will now restore the property. The Old Courthouse is a Grade-I listed building dating from the late sixteenth century and retains many original features including a first-floor courtroom with a barrel-vaulted ceiling.

The next phase of dualling the A303 between the Podimore and Sparkford roundabouts starts later this month. A 30 mph speed limit will be in place with some sections of the new road brought into use while the work is being carried out. The new dual carriage is scheduled to open by mid-2024.

Developers wanting to convert the former White Horse Hotel in Wincanton say the "at risk" status on the building is delaying work on the project. Planning permission has been granted to turn the property into a shop and flats but the architect, Stuart Hall, says they can’t make progress until the “at risk” status has been removed.

The public toilets at the Ilminster recreation ground have again been vandalised. A ceiling was damaged, a window smashed, a picnic bench broken, and signs ripped off in the skate park area. Police are asking anyone with information to please call the non-emergency number 101.

A pub in Crewkerne has been put-up for sale. The Royal Oak, in Hermitage Street, has been closed for a time and is in need of restoration. The freehouse, which is close to the town centre, is on the market at three hundred and ninety thousand pounds.

More from News

Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.
Thursday 17th April

The father of a one-month-old baby boy in Chard is to stand trial for the murder of his son. New figures show that just under 1300 crimes were reported to the Police in Yeovil during the final quarter of last year. A night in a prison cell is offered at Shepton Mallet Jail to those who want to be alone this Easter...and more.
Wednesday 16th April

Big changes are being made to where taxi ranks in Yeovil are located. Farmers are being told to keep an extra lookout for people acting suspiciously following the latest livestock theft near the Devon and Somerset border. Channel 4’s Location Location Location is coming to Somerset, with anyone looking to buy a property locally invited to apply to be in the show...and more
Tuesday 15th April

A 36-year-old man remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of a sexual assault in Yeovil. Yeovil Labour Club has had its drinks licence revoked. NHS Somerset has been taking its physiotherapy team around the county to cut waiting times for patients. A men-only cooking course has been launched in Sherborne with all ingredients and equipment provided free of charge...and more
Monday 14th April

A new banking hub has opened in Crewkerne. South Western Ambulance is asking people to only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency over the Easter weekend. £1.8 million is being spent improving walking and cycling routes around a major new housing development at Up Mudford in Yeovil...and more