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.
Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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