Tuesday 4th August

Tuesday, 4 August 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Somerset doctor is calling for better community eye care. People in Glastonbury and Street are benefiting from a new bus service to Castle Cary railway station. A sailor from South Petherton is celebrating after sailing around the world... and more

A Somerset doctor is calling for better community eye care after new research found around 400,000 visits to A&E every year for eye problems could be treated elsewhere. Dr James Gagg, Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and based at Musgrove Park Hospital, says expanding local services would ease pressure on emergency departments.

People in Glastonbury and Street are benefiting from a new seven-day-a-week bus service to Castle Cary railway station. The new 567 route is designed to improve access to rail connections and make public transport easier for local communities.

Drivers crossing the Somerset Levels are being warned to expect delays, with month-long roadworks now underway on the A361 at Burrowbridge. The road is closed while new traffic lights are installed on the bridge over the River Parrett. A 21-mile diversion is in place via the M5 and the A38.

Beavers are helping wildlife survive the hot, dry weather on the Blackdown Hills. Researchers say the dams and ponds they create are holding water in the landscape, providing valuable wetland habitats during the heatwave.

A sailor from South Petherton is celebrating after completing a 40-thousand nautical mile voyage around the world. Amy Smith served as first mate aboard a team in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which gives people from all backgrounds the chance to compete in ocean racing.

And the Somerset homelessness charity Arc is marking its fiftieth anniversary. Formerly known as the Taunton Association for the Homeless, the charity says reaching the milestone is an opportunity to reflect on five decades of supporting vulnerable people across the county.

More from News

Tuesday 22nd September

Children with special needs could have a better chance of moving to a new school, without delay or disruption. A former Castle Cary pub is to be turned into a private house. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre may have to close at the end of next month... and more.
Monday 21st September

Wessex Water's contacting large businesses, asking them to use less water. A ‘serious collision’ closed a stretch of the A30 in both directions yesterday afternoon.Two Somerset charities have benefitted from a combined £64,000, thanks to the Leonardo Rising Stars.
Friday 18th September

Three people from Yeovil have been sentenced after admitting offences linked to the theft and illegal supply of prescription-only medicines. An ancient burial site on the Quantocks has been damaged. Chard Guildhall is open for public viewing today... and more
Thursday 17th September

Audio

18,000 shoplifting offences have been recorded in the Avon and Somerset Police area in the last financial year. A Chard man has been sentenced for assaulting a police officer. Forefront Community Centre in Chard is celebrating 20 years of bringing people together in the town... and more
Wednesday 16th September

A pilot with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance says there will be 'catastrophic' consequences if laser pointers continue to be pointed at their aircraft. Plans to build forty new homes in the village of Curry Rivel have been given the go ahead. The owner of a ram called Rambo in Keinton Mandeville has thanked firefighters for rescuing him after he got stuck in a concrete pipe... and more
Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more