Local News Friday 28th January

Friday, 28 January 2022 06:00

Police have stepped up patrols around the car park at Ham Hill. From Monday, restrictions on the number of people who can visit a care home are being relaxed. It could soon get a lot easier to walk and cycle around Yeovil. Rising food prices are being felt across Somerset and registrations open in just under two months to stand for election to the new unitary council for Somerset.

Police have stepped up patrols around the car park at Ham Hill on the outskirts of Yeovil. It follows further reports of anti-social behaviour in the area. Police say foot patrols are being conducted to reassure the public and deter potential offenders

From Monday, restrictions on the number of people who can visit a care home are being relaxed. The government says they’ve been able to do this due to the success of the booster programme. But Christina Westlake, Manager of Hummingbird Care Home on the Blackdowns in South Somerset, disagrees. She believes it's too soon to relax the restrictions.

It could soon get a lot easier to walk and cycle around Yeovil. It follows the publication by Somerset County Council of a new local walking and cycling infrastructure plan for the town. The plan envisages the creation of new, safe walking and cycling routes, aimed at encouraging people to use more sustainable forms of transport for travelling around the town. Included in the plan is the completion of the Lyde Road cycleway, and up-grading the cycling links through Yeovil Country Park.

Rising food prices are being felt across Somerset. Shoppers say they're trying different supermarkets and not buying their usual brands to save money. UK inflation, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index, jumped to 5.4% in the 12 months to December 2021, its highest level in 30 years.

Registration opens in just under two months to stand for election to the new unitary council for Somerset. A total of 110 seats will up for grabs on the new one council when the local elections that take place on Thursday, May 5th. If you’re thinking of running to become a councillor, you have between March 22nd and April 5th to submit your nomination papers.

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Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
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