Friday 13th December

Friday, 13 December 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset-based social housing provider, Stonewater, is urging caution over plans by the government to relax the planning rules. The Samaritans in Yeovil are gearing up for their busiest time of the year. The curtain goes up today on this year’s Yeovil panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Westlands Entertainment venue...and more.

Somerset-based social housing provider Stonewater is urging caution over plans to relax the planning rules. The government has set a target to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years by making it easier and quicker for developers to get applications approved. Jonathan Layzells from Stonewater says safeguards will be needed if the process is simplified.

NHS Somerset is urging those eligible to get a flu jab. It follows a warning that a "tidal wave of flu" is hitting hospitals. The latest figures show that the number of beds taken up by flu patients increased by 70 per cent last week.

A Chard business unit destroyed by fire in February is to be rebuilt. The unit on Leach Road within the Chard Business Park will be replaced with one of identical size and external appearance. Somerset Council’s Planning South Committee approved the rebuild under delegated powers.

The Samaritans in Yeovil are gearing up for their busiest time of the year. Nationally, more than one million phone calls are received by the Samaritans every year with a third of calls made over the festive and New Year period.

A new programme has been launched to help vulnerable young people in Yeovil, Chard and Stoke-sub-Hamdon. The Youth Adventure Trust's Resilience Programme will run for a year and use outdoor activities and one-to-one support to help young people gain life skills.

The curtain goes up today on this year’s Yeovil pantomime at the Westlands Entertainment venue. Jack and the Beanstalk, staring Lizzie Bea and Daniel Page, is on until January 5th.

Radio Ninesprings has joined with Somerset-based charity ‘Help for Homeless’ to provide comfort to those who will spend Christmas sleeping rough. The charity is asking for donations of warm clothing, toiletries and treats to give to men and women who face Christmas sleeping in the cold.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more