The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting council jobs. Speaking at an audit committee meeting, Mr Sharkey said senior managers “got it wrong” when they axed more than 500 jobs across three departments in the past 12 months. He said money from reserves was now being used to rebuild the housing team, which was “no longer big enough to deal with the current workload”.
Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke is asking the government to provide clarity over the type of animal licence that visitor attractions, like the Somerset Reindeer Ranch, should have. Ms Dyke is shortly to present a parliamentary bill on the issue after the Somerset Reindeer Ranch at Chilthorne Domer was told it would need to obtain a zoo licence, which would cost many thousands of pounds, to remain open.
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to raise funds for a second helicopter. The Second Heli Appeal aims to raise £1 million toward the £10 million required to purchase and equip the new aircraft.
Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme to inspire young people to take up careers in agriculture. With fewer than 5% of working farmers aged under 35, Mr Dance is concerned that Somerset could lose the next generation of farmers if careers in farming are not made more accessible. He says the ‘Farm First’ scheme would give young people a clear route into agriculture, with the training and confidence to build a future in the sector.
A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,
A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a serious assault in Wincanton. Fire crews have dealt with a house fire in the village of Pitney. Plans have been submitted to redevelop Bridgwater Docks into a cultural and tourist destination. Ilminster's annual Christmas tree festival has opened in the town...and more
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