Friday 15th March

Friday, 15 March 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council says it's falling behind on its own targets in giving care assessments to those who need support. A Somerset vet has welcomed a review into the prices charged to pet owners for having their animals treated. A plaque has been unveiled, marking the 80th anniversary of when a US army aircraft crashed into the Mendip Hills, killing five American airmen...and more

Somerset Council says it's falling behind on its targets in giving care assessments to those who need support. Data shows that over 900 mainly elderly people have been left waiting for an assessment for more than the stipulated 28 days. The council is blaming rising demand and a shortage of staff for the backlog despite being given extra money by the government for adult care services.

A Somerset vet has welcomed a review into the prices charged to pet owners for their animals to be treated. The Competition and Markets Authority has been investigating what vets charge and says pet owners could be paying over the odds for medicines and prescriptions.

Gardeners in Somerset are being urged to go a bit softer on slugs and snails. The Royal Horticultural Society and the Wildlife Trust say slugs and snails play a vital role, and that indiscriminate treatments, like using slug pellets should be avoided.

A Somerset man is on his way to Ukraine this week, delivering aid and offering mental health support. Ben Allen from Barton St David says he’s worried people are forgetting what is happening in the war-torn country. He first went to Ukraine in March 2022, at the start of the conflict with Russia.

A plaque has been unveiled, marking the 80th anniversary of when a US Army aircraft crashed into the Mendip Hills, killing five American airmen. Five others survived the crash which happened during the second world war. Blagdon Local History Society organised the plaque with representatives from the US Air Force attending the ceremony.

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