Local News Friday 13th May

Friday, 13 May 2022 06:00

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.