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.
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
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
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
Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more
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