Tuesday 5th March

Tuesday, 5 March 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Union representing staff at Sunnymeade Care Home in Chard says everyone will be left in a difficult situation if the home closes. 'Buses of Somerset' says some services will run at different times from next month. Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh has officially opened Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s new shop in Crewkerne...and more.

The Union representing staff at Sunnymeade Care Home in Chard that’s at risk of closing, says everyone – staff and residents – will be left in a difficult situation if the closure goes ahead. Somerset Care plans to shut Sunnymeade, together with Critchill Court care home in Frome in April. They say the homes are no longer viable. A consultation on the proposals is now open for comments.

Buses of Somerset says some services will run at different times from next month. The Number 51 Yeovil Town service is included in the timetable changes that take effect from Sunday, April 14th. Full details of the new running times can be viewed on the Buses of Somerset website.

A faith room and a breastfeeding facility are planned as part of an upgrade of Chard police station. The improvements costing £900,000 are to bring the building up to a higher standard for the public and staff. Works are expected to start later this year, subject to planning permission being given.

Not a single stretch of river in the West of England is in ‘good’ overall health, according to a new report. The Rivers Trust found the region’s waterways are being poisoned by a cocktail of pollution from agriculture, the water industry and road runoff.
According to the report, 100 per cent of river stretches in the West failed to meet ‘good’ overall status.

A former Royal Marine from Somerset has won the title of UK Bench Press Champion. Ram Patten only took up the bench press competitively a year ago and having won the UK title now has set his sights on the world championships.

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh has cut a ribbon to officially open Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s new store in Crewkerne. The new shop in Falkland Square is the charity’s seventh outlet in Somerset and Devon.

More from News

Friday 18th July

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
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.