Local News Friday 17th September

Friday, 17 September 2021 at 06:00

There's been a big increase in the number of phone appointments being carried out by family doctors in Somerset. It's the last day for care home workers in Somerset to get a first covid vaccine. Inquests into the deaths of two people in a crash involving a light aircraft at Buckland St Mary near Chard have been opened and adjourned. Plans for a giant solar farm that crosses into Dorset from South Somerset near South Perrott will soon be decided...and more.

There's been a big increase in the number of phone appointments being carried out by family doctors in Somerset. 20% of GP appointments were by phone in February 2021 and by July it had risen to 43% but the NHS in Somerset says despite huge demand for appointments at the moment, it is now seeing more patients in person than last summer.

It's the last day for care home workers in Somerset to get a first covid vaccine. On November 11th, it will be mandatory for staff to be fully vaccinated. Leader of Somerset county council David Fothergill says it means some employees will lose their jobs.

Inquests into the deaths of two people in a crash involving a light aircraft at Buckland St Mary near Chard have been opened and adjourned. The pilot Jonathan Mann and his passenger, Margaret Costa, were pronounced dead at the scene on August 12th. Post-mortem examinations show they died from multiple injuries. The inquests were adjourned pending a report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

Plans for a giant solar farm that crosses into Dorset from South Somerset near South Perrott will soon be decided. The 54-hectare site, close to Pipplepen Farm on School Hill and to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is predicted to generate up to 32 megawatts, enough to provide electricity for around 10,000 homes. If planning consent is given, the site is expected to take between four and six months to develop and to be in operation for 30-years.

Plans have been submitted to build a 24-bed nursing home on the site of the former Lamb Inn pub at Horton Cross near Ilminster. The site lies near the Monks Yard conference venue, about half a mile from the Southfields roundabout, where the A358 joins the A303. South Somerset District Council is expected to make a decision on the new proposals before the end of the year.

A new shop and cafe have been approved at an animal rescue centre in Wincanton. Following the granting of planning permission the new outlets, as well as holiday accommodation, will be added to the site of the Somerset and Dorset Animal Rescue Centre in Common Lane.

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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