Local News Friday 7th October

Friday, 7 October 2022 06:00

The Head of Buses of Somerset has voiced his disappointment and frustration over a series of planned one-day strikes by bus workers. Yeovil Hospital is taking part in a study to try and reduce the number of babies being taken to hospital with a serious respiratory virus. Sixteen new safeguarding cases across the Bath and Wells Diocese have been highlighted as part of a national review into abuse within the Church of England. Ava and Alfie are officially the most popular baby names in South Somerset, according to the Office for National Statistics...and more.

The Head of Buses of Somerset has voiced his disappointment and frustration over a series of planned one-day strikes by bus workers. Members of the RMT are due to walk out on Monday, October 10th, Friday, October 21st and again on the 4th the 11th of November in a dispute over pay. Simon Goff says passenger numbers are down 25 percent compared to before the pandemic and that for the sector to recover, everyone needs to work together to make sure people can go about their daily lives without disruption.

Yeovil Hospital is taking part in a study to try and reduce the number of babies being taken to hospital with a serious respiratory virus. RSV can cause severe lung problems and is the main reason babies end up in hospital. Consultant Pediatrician.

Sixteen new safeguarding cases across the Bath and Wells Diocese have been highlighted as part of a national review into abuse within the Church of England. However, none of the new cases have led to any further action. Some cases were anonymous with no evidence and others were related to processes that had been addressed.

Ava and Alfie are officially the most popular baby names in South Somerset, according to the Office for National Statistics. New data shows that fifteen newborn girls were given the name Ava in South Somerset last year with nineteen baby boys called Alfie. Nationally, Olivia remained the top pick for baby girls for the sixth year in a row and Noah for a boy.

Chard Carnival is on tomorrow with a crowd in excess of 10,000 expected to watch the illuminated procession pass through the town. It will mark a return to how the Carnival looked pre-pandemic with more than sixty floats taking part. The parade gets underway at 7.30 pm.

More from News

Thursday 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more