Tuesday 1st October

Tuesday, 1 October 2024 06:00

A fifth person has been charged as part of the Michael Wheeler murder investigation. South Petherton Community Library is helping people to find out if they're eligible for pension credit. After a week-long closure, Network Rail have reopened the Yeovil Pen Mill to Thornford stretch... and more.

A fifth person has been charged as part of the murder investigation into the death of Michael Wheeler. Angus Warner, aged 32 from Crewkerne, was charged with conspiracy to murder and appeared before Yeovil Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he was remanded in custody to appear before Bristol Crown Court on Friday 25 October. Four other men have been charged with the murder of the 37-year-old from Yeovil, whose body was found last week at a property in Yarlington after he had not been seen for more than a month. All have been remanded ahead of future court appearances.

South Petherton Community Library is helping people to find out if they're eligible for pension credit. The government scrapped winter fuel payments for all pensioners apart from those receiving certain benefits. Mark Freeman is the chair of the library and thinks many may not be aware of what they can access if they are eligible for pension credit.

Waste going to landfill is at a record low, according to figures released by Somerset Council. The numbers for 2023-24 suggest 2,300 tonnes of material was reused - this includes smart tech collected via the ‘Fixy Project’. The council says Somerset’s recycling rate of 56 per cent puts it in the top 20 per cent of waste authorities in England.

The NHS and the UK Health Security Agency are asking people in the West to get their flu vaccinations. It's part of their 'Get Winter Strong' campaign that will also encourage people to get COVID-19 boosters. It comes as uptake in the region amongst the over 65s remains high at over eighty percent. But the number of pregnant women, infants and people with long term health conditions taking up the offer of the vaccine is much lower.

And there’s good news for rail users. After a week-long closure, Network Rail have reopened the Yeovil Pen Mill to Thornford stretch, having installed over 2,000 new sleepers and 3,600 tonnes of ballast stone. The previous track was half a century old and prone to faults whilst the replacement is a so-called ‘continuously welded rail’, meaning fewer inspections and faults.

More from News

Monday 14th October

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a fight in Chard. Nearly thirty NHS buildings in Somerset have been identified as ‘not fit for purpose’. A Somerset charity that works with vulnerable young people has been presented with a cheque for £50,000 by trainees at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil... and more.
Friday 11th Oct

Work is to start next year on re-opening Yeovil Police station. 60 jobs could be created in Crewkerne if plans for a new care home are approved. A coffee morning in Chard has raised £400 for a cancer charity... and more.
Thursday 10th October

Work demolishing the Glovers Walk Shopping Centre in Yeovil will start before the end of the month. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is calling for a ban on executive bonuses at Wessex Water. Somerset Council has issued an urgent appeal for more foster carers to come forward.. and more.
Wednesday 9th October

A decision on building 46 new homes at the southern edge of Castle Cary has been delayed. A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with using racially aggravated abuse towards a police officer. A teacher in Chard has been awarded a top prize at the National Special Educational Needs awards... and more.
Tuesday 8th October

A mother has pleaded not guilty to murdering her two-week-old baby son at Yeovil Hospital. A Yeovil man with two previous drink driving offences has escaped being sent to prison after refusing to take a breath test. Somerset gymnast Laura Gallagher has announced her retirement after 20 years in the sport...and more.
Monday 7th October

A new breast cancer unit opens to patients at Yeovil Hospital today. The Lib Dems have held the Summerlands seat on Yeovil Town Council in a by-election. School children in Yeovil have been helping to plant sixty thousand snowdrop bulbs at Montecute House...and more.
Friday 4th October

A care provider in Yeovil says hospital patients are being affected by the town's roadworks. A tractor has been completely destroyed, after its trailer of silage burst into flames. The carts roll into Ilminster tomorrow night, with carnival season well underway... and more.
Thursday 3rd October

A Yeovil house has been boarded up for three months due to anti-social behaviour. A Chard woman is a finalist at the Stevie Awards for Women In Business. A farm shop started by two Somerset schoolgirls has its first permanent home... and more.