Somerset Council has written to the government calling for urgent action to tackle the worsening situation of access to NHS dentistry in the county. The Mayor of Yeovil is urging people to join in with next week's celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. A Somerset father, whose daughter died suddenly aged 15 months, is starting a month of running 5k a day in her memory... and more.
Somerset Council has written to the government calling for urgent action to tackle the worsening situation of accessing an NHS dentist in the County. It follows figures from Healthwatch Somerset, in which 800 of 1100 people surveyed said they'd struggled to obtain NHS dental care in the past 12 months. The Council wants the government to deliver meaningful reforms to the NHS dental contract, which has been criticised for disincentivising care for high-need patients and pushing dentists towards private practice.
The Mayor of Yeovil, Andy Kendall, is urging people to join in with celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day next Thursday, May 8th. The Town Council and British Legion have organised an event to mark the anniversary at St John’s Church in Yeovil, starting at 4.30 pm and culminating with the lighting of beacons at St Johns and Wyndham Hill. Everyone is invited.
A Somerset church has closed due to a rise in antisocial behaviour. St John's Church in Glastonbury says the decision was "regretful" but necessary for safety reasons. However, it will remain open for services and funerals.
A Somerset father whose daughter died suddenly aged 15 months is starting a month of running 5k a day throughout May in her memory. Olivia died in 2023 of inflammation of the heart. It’s the second year Harry Foster has taken on the challenge, raising money for the '2Wish' charity.
A shop in Henstridge is helping parents by giving them essential items for their children. The Honesty Jar shop on Stalbridge Road provides school uniforms, books, shoes and toys to parents in return for donating items they no longer need.
The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,