Local News Friday 24th February

Friday, 24 February 2023 06:00

People in Somerset who undergo hip replacement operations are no longer having to stay in hospital overnight. The RSPCA in Somerset says it's dealing with a sharp rise in abandoned pet rabbits. The Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is closing for two weeks. People are being asked to take part in a charity Swimathon organised by Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew. Soldiers from the 1st Regiment Army Air Corps, based at RNAS Yeovilton, have marched through Wincanton...and more.

People in Somerset who undergo hip replacement operations are no longer having to stay in hospital overnight. It follows the launch of a pilot scheme to reduce waiting lists, with patients leaving hospital within just a few hours of being operated on.

The former Leader of Somerset County Council, Councillor David Fothergill, has expressed alarm at a sharp rise in children having teeth extracted in hospital. Councillor Fothergill, who‘s currently chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, was speaking after figures showed an 83 per cent increase in children having teeth taken out in hospital this year. His comments come amid claims that a lack of NHS dentists is leading to an increase in cases of people of all ages having rotting teeth.

The RSPCA in Somerset says its dealing with a sharp rise in the number of abandoned pet rabbits. The charity says it’s a result of overbreeding during the lockdown and the cost of living crisis.

Soldiers from the 1st Regiment Army Air Corps, based at RNAS Yeovilton, have marched through Wincanton. The parade was held to mark the Regiment being awarded the Freedom of the Town.

The Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is closing for two weeks for improvement works to be carried out. The sanctuary will shut to visitors from Sunday, March 19th to Saturday, April 1st. Changes to the site include building a new entrance, and the opening of a new art, crafts and education centre.

People in South Somerset are being asked to take part in a charity Swimathon organised by Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew. Goldenstones Leisure Centre in Yeovil, Chard Leisure Centre and Wincanton Sports Centre will be involved in raising funds for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie over the weekend of May 12th to the 14th. You can enter the Swimathon as an individual or with a team via the MySwimathon website.

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more