Friday 24th November

Friday, 24 November 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Police operation has resulted in 160 knives being taken off the streets in the Avon and Somerset force area. Ofsted says pupil suspension rates in Somerset are alarmingly high. It’s a big night for Christmas light switch-on events in South Somerset with Christmas lights being turned on in Wincanton, Ilminster and Crewkerne...and more.

A Police operation has resulted in 160 knives being taken off the streets in the Avon and Somerset force area. Officers carried out a range of engagement activities to encourage people not to carry knives or get involved in serious violence as part of Operation Sceptre.

Ofsted says pupil suspension rates in Somerset are alarmingly high. In their annual report, Ofsted says the national average for pupil suspensions is 7 per cent, while in Somerset it's above ten per cent. The rate of pupils missing school, or absenteeism, in Somerset is again above the national average by around two per cent.

The Manager of Yeovil’s Quedam Shopping Centre says longer-term guarantees are needed on business rates to help struggling retailers. Commenting on Wednesday’s Government Autumn Statement, James Tovey says an extension of 12 months in the 75 per cent discount on business rates was to be welcomed but didn’t give smaller businesses the ability to plan ahead.

Two lead members of Somerset Council have announced they will be stepping down from their executive roles at the end of the year. Tessa Munt and Mike Rigby will resign from their positions on the Executive but will continue as local councillors.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust – which includes Yeovil Hospital - has issued an apology following yesterday’s news that up to two hundred people have had their hospital records inappropriately accessed by a member of staff. The Trust says the individual concerned, who no longer works for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, accessed the records of people who were known to them over a period of six years. Avon and Somerset Police are currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances.

It’s a big night for Christmas light switch-ons in South Somerset. Christmas lights are being turned on in Wincanton, Ilminster and Crewkerne tonight. Tomorrow, it’s the turn of Chard to switch on their Christmas decorations.

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