Friday 13th December

Friday, 13 December 2024 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

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
Thursday 10th September

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
Wednesday 9th September

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
Tuesday 8th September

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
Monday 7th September

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
Friday 4th September

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