Local News Friday 16th June

Friday, 16 June 2023 07:00

By Steve Haigh

The hot weather is having a significant impact on hospital A&E services in Somerset. The new owner of Yeovil Town, Martin Hellier says fans are returning to the club in big numbers. Work starts on Monday resurfacing two major roads in Langport. GPs in Somerset are massively overspent on their budgets for prescriptions...and more.

The hot weather is having a significant impact on local A&E services. NHS Somerset says the last few days have been especially busy with high numbers of people attending A&E with hay fever. NHS England’s Medical Director in the South West, Doctor Michael Marsh, is asking people to think carefully before using their local A&E.

The new owner of Yeovil Town, Martin Hellier says fans are returning to the club in big numbers, despite them being relegated and playing in National League South next season. Work to smarten up Huish Park is well underway and new players have been added to the squad since Mr Hellier bought the club two months ago. He’s optimistic that Yeovil will be playing in front of home crowds of five thousand next season, which is double the club’s average gate last season.

GPs in Somerset are massively overspent on their budgets for prescriptions. The overspend could exceed four million pounds, according to the Somerset Integrated Care System. The ICS is blaming it on a shortage of pharmacists, rising prices, and the long-term impact of coronavirus.

Work starts on Monday next week resurfacing two major roads in Langport. The repairs to North Street and Somerton Road will see diversions in operation and take six weeks to complete.

Work's being carried out later this month on a section of Station Road in Ilminster. The road linking the Southfields roundabout with the roundabout on Station Road will be subject to delays during the repairs that begin on Thursday, June 22nd.

Petherton Folk Fest is on this weekend in South Petherton. It’s the tenth year the event’s been held with a stellar programme of artists lined up to perform live at seven different venues.

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Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more