Friday 26 April

Friday, 26 April 2024 at 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

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