Local News Friday 14th October

Friday, 14 October 2022 at 09:25

The opening hours of the minor injuries unit at Chard Hospital are being reduced. Military veterans in Somerset, struggling with paying their energy bills, are being offered up to 200 pounds a month for a year by the Royal British Legion. Three quarters of a million pounds has been spent on equipment to help people in Somerset who've had a fall at home or in a care home...and more.

The opening hours of the minor injuries unit at Chard Hospital are being reduced. NHS Somerset says it'sdue to staff shortages. The unit will now open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday but stay closed on Wednesday and Friday. Meanwhile, NHS Somerset says they’re preparing for an extremely busy winter. It comes as new data has shown that NHS waiting lists in England are growing because of a lack of staff and beds.

Military veterans in Somerset, struggling with paying their energy bills, are being offered up to 200 pounds a month for a year by the Royal British Legion. The money’s been given in addition to the financial support provided by the government.

Three quarters of a million pounds has been spent on equipment to help people in Somerset who've had a fall at home or in a care home. The equipment is now used to lift people up safely following a fall andwithout a carer having to call an ambulance, unless the person is in need of hospital treatment.

A new TV documentary has thrown new light on the origins of the T.S. Elliot poem The Waste Land, described as one of the defining poems of the 20th century. T.S. Elliot, who lived in South Somerset and is buried in East Coker, always claimed the poem had nothing to do with his private life but programme casts doubt on the theory. The programme can be viewed on the BBC I-player.

Castle Cary is gearing up for big crowds arriving inthe town this weekend. Castle Cary Carnival takes place tomorrow evening with more than 40 entries in the parade and hundreds expected in the High Street.

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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