Local News Friday 26th February

Friday, 26 February 2021 at 07:30

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh has criticised the government for asking children to wear facemasks in school. Yeovil Town’s season in the National League could end early unless agreement is reached over a loan with Sport England. A Yeovil GP surgery that had been at risk of closure has been put under new management and more ....

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh has criticised the government for asking children to wear facemasks in school. Commenting on Twitter, Mr Fysh described the guidance as ‘appalling’ and said it shouldn’t be supported.

Meanwhile, the Head of Preston School in Yeovil, Greg Morrison, has welcomed the decision that teachers will decide grades for this year's GCSEs, A-levels and written vocational qualifications in England after the exams were cancelled because of the pandemic. The government has confirmed that unlike last year, no algorithms will be used to calculate pupils' grades and that exam boards will check random samples, and students will receive their results earlier than usual, to allow extra time for any appeals. Mr Morrison said given the circumstances of the pandemic, the government was doing the right thing.

Yeovil Town’s season in the National League could end early unless agreement is reached over a loan with Sport England. In a statement, Chairman, Scott Priestnall says Yeovil Town are heading for a 1-mllion pound loss this season due to supporters not being allowed into stadiums. The Chairman says an emergency government loan has been offered and that the Club are giving it consideration, but if the loan is found to be unaffordable, then players and staff will be furloughed and the club will not complete the season.

A Yeovil GP surgery that had been at risk of closure has been put under new management. Following a damning inspection, the Care Quality Commission described Ryalls Park Medical Centre on Marsh Lane as ‘inadequate’ and ‘requiring urgent improvement’. Ryalls Park will now be run by Symphony Healthcare Services, who operate 14 GP practices in Somerset, including Oaklands Surgery here in Yeovil.

A Somerset bride-to-be says she’s unhappy over the government’s plans to re-admit guests at weddings. Weddings can take place with 15 guests from mid-April and 30 from mid-May. But, Justine Clayton, who postponed her wedding last year and now plans to get married at the end of May says the limit on guests should be lifted sooner.

A crowd funding appeal to re-open a village pub in South Somerset has received donations of just under £90,000. The Green Dragon in Combe St Nicholas closed its doors permanently last September. Organisers are seeking to raise £400,000 to buy the building and run the pub as a social enterprise.

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Friday 30th October

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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