Local News Friday 1st July

Friday, 1 July 2022 06:00

There’s been a warning that more cuts in bus services could be on the way in Somerset. An inquest into a military diving accident that caused the death of a soldier from Yeovil has found there were significant points of failure. Research suggests there could be ten times as many ancient trees in England, including in Somerset than are currently known about and a nurse from Somerset has been talking about the moment she fainted with hypothermia during Paul McCartney's gig at Glastonbury Festival.

There’s been a warning that more cuts in bus services could be on the way in Somerset. Government funding support for public bus travel is due to end in October with no signs yet of the subsidies being renewed. Bus operators say if they are not renewed at their current level and ideally at a higher level then services would have to be cut.

An inquest into a military diving accident that caused the death of a soldier from Yeovil has found there were significant points of failure. 27-year-old Lance Corporal George Partridge was taking part in a training course at the National Diving Centre in 2018. But when he was brought to the surface, his facemask was hanging off and his two air tanks were found to be empty. The inquest was told his "sudden death" was due to a lack of air. The National Diving Centre, which opened in 2003, closed unexpectedly earlier this year.

Research suggests there could be ten times as many ancient trees in England, including in Somerset than are currently known about. Scientists at Nottingham University say that could mean there are two million such trees unrecorded. Campaigners are calling for them to be better protected.

A nurse from Somerset has been talking about the moment she fainted with hypothermia during Paul McCartney's gig at Glastonbury Festival. Lisa Morris passed out after waiting seven hours to see her idol perform on the Pyramid stage last Saturday. She was spotted by Paul McCartney, who then halted his show so she could receive medical attention. She says she couldn't believe such a moment of drama could have happened to her.

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Thursday 11th December

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
Wednesday 10th December

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
Tuesday 9th December

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.
Monday 8th December

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
Friday 5th December

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.
Thursday 4th December

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
Wednesday 3rd December

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,