Friday 18th October

Friday, 18 October 2024 07:34

By Steve Haigh

According to new government figures, Sixty-four thousand children in Somerset were not seen by an NHS dentist last year. Two by-elections will be held for seats on Somerset Council at the end of November. Supported employment schemes in Somerset say they’re seeing a good proportion of their students, who are disabled, going into paid work...and more.

According to new government figures, Sixty-four thousand children in Somerset were not seen by an NHS dentist last year. John Watt an NHS dentist in Somerset says that so many children not having their teeth regularly looked at will impact on other parts of the NHS.

Two by-elections will be held for seats on Somerset Council at the end of November. It follows the resignations of Councillors, Dixie Darch and Sarah Dyke as Liberal Democrat members for Rowbarton and Staplegrove and Blackmoor Vale respectively. Until the by-elections take place, all casework will be handled by the other division members for each area, with Councillor Derek Perry handling matters in Rowbarton and Staplegrove, and Councillor Nicola Clark handling Blackmoor Vale. Following the resignations, the composition of Somerset Council is Liberal Democrats 59, Conservative 33, Green Party 5, Labour 5, and Independent 6, with 2 seats vacant.

Supported employment schemes in Somerset say they’re seeing a good proportion of their students, who are disabled, going into paid work. It follows a House of Lords report calling for more to be done to help young disabled people get back into the workplace.

Somerset Council has signed an expression of interest in working more closely with Dorset and Wiltshire councils. The government is seeking the views of all three councils on finding common ground where they can collaborate on things like planning and transport. Last month, the councils submitted a request for devolution, calling themselves the "Heart of Wessex" but stressed this would not be a merger of the councils.

Organisers of the Yeovil Literary Festival say this year’s event will be their biggest ever. A number of pre-festival presentations take place today at Yeovil Library with the festival proper starting next Thursday.

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Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more