Friday 20th October

Friday, 20 October 2023 at 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

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