Friday 20th October

Friday, 20 October 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Motorists in Somerset are being urged to have their eyes tested following a report claiming a quarter of people who should wear glasses behind the wheel are not doing so. The Head of Yeovil-based Screwfix wants to see more young people become electricians, plumbers and builders. Natural England has announced the launch of a new super National Nature Reserve across the Mendip Hills...and more.

Motorists in Somerset are being urged to have their eyes tested. It follows a report by the College of Optometrists that claims a quarter of people who should wear glasses behind the wheel are not doing so and are putting themselves, other road users, and pedestrians at risk.

The Head of Yeovil-based Screwfix claims a lack of tradespeople is holding back the economy. He says twelve billion pounds a year is being lost to the UK economy due to a shortage of tradespeople. CEO of Screwfix, John Mervett wants more encouragement given to younger people to learn a trade.

Natural England has announced the launch of a new super National Nature Reserve across the Mendip Hills in Somerset. It’s part of an initiative by King Charles to enhance biodiversity and nature recovery.

Latest figures from Ofcom show that 23,000 premises in Somerset and Devon are still not receiving a satisfactory mobile phone signal. The premises are in places known as ‘4G not-spots’. The government is currently providing £430,000 in funding through the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership to improve mobile reception across the two counties.

Somerset-based jockey Bryony Frost says she's hoping for more big titles as she heads into the new jump race season. Frost - who trains at Ditcheat with Paul Nicholls - became the first female jockey to win the King George Chase back in 2020.

The Eastbury Hotel in Sherborne has won a top award. In the Condé Nast Johansens awards The Eastbury came first in the Best Value Experience category.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more