Thursday 7th March

Thursday, 7 March 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The number of people killed in road accidents in Somerset last year was the highest for a decade. The public toilets in Yeovil bus station will shut at the end of the month as part of cost-cutting measures at Somerset Council. An event celebrating cultural diversity in Chard is being held this weekend...and more.

The number of people killed in accidents on Somerset’s roads last year was the highest for a decade. Thirty people died in 2023, a forty per cent increase on 2022. The high number of fatalities has been attributed to drink and drug driving, careless or inconsiderate driving, speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, and not wearing a seat belt. The Road Safety team at Somerset Council has now launched a new awareness campaign, aimed at making Somerset’s roads safer.

A council-run plant nursery in Yeovil is to close at the end of the month as part of cost-cutting measures at Somerset Council. The primary function of the nursery on the Lufton Trading Estate is to grow bedding plants for public parks and displays in Yeovil town centre. Meanwhile, Somerset Council is closing the public toilets in Yeovil Bus Station. Yeovil Town Council has been asked to take on running the toilets but has yet to make a firm decision.

Taunton Town Football Club says it’s facing a new winding-up order, due to the poor state of the club’s finances. With several home games rained off in the past few weeks, income has gone down and player’s wages have not been paid in full.

The production company behind the TV show Junior Bake Off says it's looking for applicants from Somerset for the next series. Love Productions, which is also behind the Great British Bake Off, says it would like to hear from boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 who have a love of baking. The deadline for applications is March 17th.

Australian cricketer Matt Renshaw has been signed by Somerset County Cricket Club for the 2024 season, marking his third stint at the club. He's played a total of 14 test matches for Australia and while playing for Somerset averaged a best of 146 runs.

An event celebrating cultural diversity in Chard is being held this weekend. Chard Together, featuring art, music, dance, and cuisine from around the world is a free event and takes place at The Guildhall across the day on Saturday.

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