Monday 19th February

Monday, 19 February 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

There's an increased risk of flooding on local roads today following a weekend of heavy rain. Police have issued an urgent appeal to find a missing teenager, thought to be in South Somerset. A new public clock was officially unveiled in Ilminster town centre at the weekend...and more

The Environment Agency is warning of floods in parts of South Somerset today following a weekend of heavy rain. The River Parrett at Chiselborough is reported to be bank-full with overtopping likely, threatening the road between Norton-sub-Hambdon and Stratton. The River Yeo at Huish Episcopi is also causing concern with the road between Langport and Muchelney, and the road at Ashford Mill at Fivehead at risk of flooding.

Police have issued an urgent appeal to find a missing teenager, thought to be in South Somerset. Segun, who also goes by the name of Joshua, was last in Castle Cary. He’s described as black, 5ft 11 inches tall, with short dreadlocks and brown eyes. When last seen he was wearing a shiny black puffer jacket and carrying a red and white striped man bag. Police say he has links to Chard, Yeovil, Bruton and Castle Cary. If you see him, you’re asked to call 999.

The Electoral Reform Society says the names of up to 12,000 people in the Yeovil constituency are missing from the Electoral Register. That’s around one in eight aged over 18 people living in Yeovil who currently are not entitled to vote in elections. Now, two Somerset councillors, Adam Dance and Tom Power, have launched a campaign to encourage younger people in particular to check that their names are on the Electoral Register. To check that you are registered to vote go to: elections@somerset.gov.uk

A new public clock was officially unveiled in Ilminster at the weekend. Positioned on the corner of Silver Street and East Street, the clock pays tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth and has been paid for with money raised by the town’s Rotary Club.

A long-standing British fishing record looks set to be smashed after a huge Pike was caught at Chew Valley Lake in Somerset. The catch, weighing forty-seven pounds, was landed by local angler, Lloyd Watson. If ratified by the British Record Fish Committee, it will beat the previous national Pike record of forty-six pounds and thirteen ounces, set in 1992.

A man in Chard has been doing his bit to reduce speeding traffic by cutting back overgrown hedges hiding a speed sign. Rob Culliford decided to trim the hedges on the A30 Crewkerne to Chard Road as they were blocking a 30 mph speed sign, making it difficult for motorists to see what the speed limit was on the road.

More from News

Thursday 17th July

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
Wednesday 16th July

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.
Tuesday 15th July

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
Monday 14th July

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.
Friday 10th July

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.
Thursday 10th July

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.
Wednesday 9th July

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.
Tuesday 8th July

Adam Dance, MP has challenged the Government over a "failure to tackle rising levels of child poverty" in South Somerset. A man in Chard has been evicted from a property in the town. Temporary changes are being put in place at Yeovil Bus Station... and more