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.
Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more