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.
Local News Friday 7th October
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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