Local News Friday 8th July

Friday, 8 July 2022 06:00

Police are asking people in Somerset to look out for a prisoner who has gone on the run. More than sixty potholes are being repaired on Somerset's roads every working day at the moment, according to Somerset County Council. Cancer patients in Somerset are waiting longer than they should receive treatment. An animal shelter in Somerset says it's being inundated with calls from breeders to take in 'surplus puppies'...and more.

Police are asking people in Somerset to look out for a prisoner (pictured) who has gone on the run. Sean Phipps, aged 51, failed to return to Leyhill open prison on June 1st after being released on temporary licence. He’s described as white and about 6ft 2in tall. Police believe he may be sleeping rough, camped out in a rural area or sleeping in a disused building. If you can help the police, you’re asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

More than sixty potholes are being repaired on Somerset's roads every working day at the moment, according to Somerset County Council. The Council says a total of 1,299 potholes were repaired in June, equating to an average 63 repair jobs completed every working day.

Cancer patients in Somerset are waiting longer than they should receive treatment. That's according to a group of cancer professionals who staged a demonstration outside Parliament earlier this week. They say more than 32 percent of patients in Somerset are waiting more than 62 days for treatment.

An animal shelter in Somerset says it's being inundated with calls from breeders to take in 'surplus puppies'. St Giles animal shelter says the market is over-saturated with puppies with breeding dogs giving birth to unwanted offspring.

Skateboarders and music fans have arrived in big numbers at the Royal Bath and West Showground for the NASS festival. The event hasn't been held for the last two years because of Covid. Ella Eyre and Mable are performing live at the festival.

A new film's been made about how Somerset celebrated the Platinum Jubilee. The five-minute film was commissioned by Somerset’s Lord Lieutenant Annie Maw, it includes scenes of beacon lighting, street parties and the Royal Bath and West Show.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

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
Monday 14th September

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
Friday 11th September

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
Thursday 10th September

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
Wednesday 9th September

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
Tuesday 8th September

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
Monday 7th September

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
Friday 4th September

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