Local News Monday 12th April

Monday, 12 April 2021 at 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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Thursday 29th October

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
Wednesday 28th October

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
Tuesday 27th October

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
Monday 26th October

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.
Friday 23rd October

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.
Thursday 22nd October

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.
Wednesday 21st October

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