Friday 26 April

Friday, 26 April 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A man has been arrested in Castle Cary and charged with stalking, harassment and making threats to kill. The NHS in Somerset says its staff retention rate has improved over the past two years. A farmer in South Petherton is preparing to cycle 1,000 miles to raise money for charity...and more.

A man has been charged with stalking, harassment and making threats to kill after being arrested in Castle Cary. Appearing at Yeovil Magistrates Court, Daniel Kellaway, aged 29, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody ahead of a Crown Court hearing in May.

The NHS in the county says its staff retention rate has improved over the past two years despite challenges faced by the health service at a national level. Figures from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust suggest its employee turnover rate has fallen from fourteen-point-six percent in July 2022 to ten-point-eight- percent in March 2024.

Retailers in Somerset have been found to have sold knives to children despite tougher legislation recently introduced. Shops can face fines of up to one million pounds but in an undercover operation by Avon and Somerset Police an underage child was found buying a machete-style blade. The British Retail Consortium says it takes the matter very seriously and has many retailers now signed up to a voluntary code of conduct run by the Home Office.

An Ilminster-based charity that helps adults with their support needs has celebrated its 20th anniversary. Shared Lives South West provides specialised support for individuals with learning disabilities, mental health issues, and dementia. The charity, which operates across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, is currently rated as 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission.

A crane born in Somerset as part of a project to reintroduce the species in the UK has paired up with a mate. Sherry and her partner have been tracked flying to Aberdeenshire after meeting in France.

A farmer in South Petherton is preparing to cycle 1,000 miles to raise money for charity. Nick Bragg, of Frogmary Green Farm, is embarking on the challenge aiming to raise £10,000 for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. Nick will start his marathon at the Northumberland County Show on May 26, travel via the Suffolk Show on May 30 and 31, and finish at the Royal Cornwall Show on June 6th.

More from News

Thursday 29th January

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