A two-week campaign has started in Somerset to get people public to surrender 'unwanted' firearms. People are being urged to be aware of ticks as they head out into the countryside during the warm weather. Concern has been expressed about how changes to farming subsidies and payments could impact the future of agriculture in Somerset and Young people from across Somerset have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.
A two-week campaign has started in Somerset to get people public to surrender 'unwanted' firearms. Avon and Somerset Police say those who surrender firearms 'will not' face prosecution for illegal possession and will remain anonymous. To have a firearm collected from your home, call the non-emergency number 101 or, surrender it at your local police station.
People are being urged to be aware of ticks as they head out into the countryside during the warm weather. Ticks carry potentially fatal infections such as Lyme Disease and are more prevalent between May and September. To minimize the risk of being bitten, advice is to walk on clearly defined paths, avoid dense vegetation and use insect repellent that repels ticks.
Concern has been expressed about how changes to farming subsidies and payments could impact the future of agriculture in Somerset. Research by the University of Gloucestershire suggests new payment schemes will mean up to £440 million less to spend on materials and services, and in turn, a significant knock-on for South West jobs and businesses.
Young people from across Somerset have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards. The event honours youngsters who've done something special or have overcome adversity.
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,