Tuesday 12th December

Tuesday, 12 December 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

South Western Ambulance say they have more staff and vehicles at their disposal going into this winter, than they did going into the previous two winters. The rail line between Yeovil and Exeter remains closed again today following last week's landslip near Crewkerne Tunnel. A decision is expected before Christmas on whether a new football stadium will be built in Chard...and more.

South Western Ambulance say they have more staff and vehicles at their disposal going into this winter, than they did going into the previous two winters. To help with the expected higher demand, they’re asking people to only dial 999 in life-threatening situations.

Nearly a week after bad weather caused a landslip at the entrance to Crewkerne Tunnel the rail line between Yeovil and Exeter remains closed. It follows delays caused by the wet conditions removing around 300 tonnes of debris from near the tunnel. The line between Yeovil and Salisbury reopened yesterday but the section between Yeovil and Exeter isn’t expected to reopen until tomorrow.

A decision is expected before Christmas on whether a new football stadium and nearly 300 new homes should be built in Chard. The development, including a new ground for Chard Town Football Club, would be built on land between Thorndun Park Drive and Crimchard, on the northern edge of Chard. Access to the homes and stadium would be from Thorndun Park Drive, with existing footpaths, including the link around Chard Bowls Club, being enhanced. Somerset Council's Planning Committee South is due to meet to discuss the plans on Tuesday, December 19th.

The mother of Tobias Turley from Street, who won the ITV series 'Mamma Mia I Have a Dream' says her son winning the competition has been an incredible achievement. Tobias, who’s 23, will now play the lead role of Sky, alongside fellow winner Stevie Doc, who'll play Sophie in the West End production of the ABBA musical.

Money is being raised to build a heritage centre in Ilminster. The town’s History Society which gathers information and documents about Ilminster’s history is looking for a permanent place to store its collection. It’s planning several events to raise the £10,000 needed to fund the project.

Members of 1st Ilminster Scouts have been learning about the workings of local government as part of UK Parliament Week. During a visit to Ilminster Town Council, the scouts took part in a mock council meeting, acting in the role of councillors, with the Mayor, Councillor Leanne Taylor, and the Town Clerk, Mark Tredwin, overseeing the proceedings.

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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