Local News Monday 12th April

Monday, 12 April 2021 07:30

From today, Covid Lateral Flow test kits are being made available to everyone in Somerset. Yeovil is one of the easiest places to pass the driving test on the first attempt. The final list of candidates has been released for next month's election to be the new Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner. More than one million people in the UK have taken part in this year's Big Garden Bird Watch...and more.

From today, Covid Lateral Flow test kits are being made available to everyone in Somerset. It's hoped this will allow for concerts, sports events, and theatres to operate safely. Schools already use the kits, as do businesses but from today all families are being encouraged to test themselves twice a week.

Yeovil is one of the easiest places to pass the driving test on the first attempt, according to a report by the website Go-Compare. It says Yeovil has the sixth-highest first-time pass rate in England and Wales based on data from 300 driving centres. Of 2,875 people sitting their test in Yeovil for the first time, 1,801 got the nod from their examiner, that’s nearly two-thirds of candidates. Go-Compare has identified ‘incorrect driver responses’ at traffic lights as the most common reason for failing the driving test

The final list of candidates has been released for next month's election to be the new Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner. There are 5 people standing: Kerry Barker for Labour, Cleo Lake for the Green Party, Heather Shearer for the Liberal Democrats, Mark Shelford for the Conservatives, and John Smith, who's standing as an Independent. The current PCC, Sue Mountstevens, had already announced she'd be standing down after eight years in the role.

Funding’s been given for an old watercourse on the Otterhead Estate on the Blackdown Hills to be used to generate electricity. The Estate has secured funding from Somerset County Council for the plans.

More than one million people in the UK have taken part in this year's Big Garden Bird Watch, the highest number ever. In Somerset, the House Sparrow came out top for being the most popular bird spotted in the county.

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Wednesday 28th January

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
Tuesday 27th January

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
Monday 26th January

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
Friday 23rd January

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.
Thursday 22nd January

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
Wednesday 21st January

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
Tuesday 20th January

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
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more