Local News Monday 13th September

Monday, 13 September 2021 06:00

A new report claims that young people in Somerset are carrying knives because of what they see on social media. Dentists in Somerset are reporting an increase in tooth extractions since Covid restrictions were eased. A man has died in a road accident near Chard. Two pub owners on the A37 outside Yeovil are complaining about roadworks losing them business. Work begins today on relaying damaged and worn-out track on the Paddington to Penzance line at Somerton...and more.

A new report claims that young people in Somerset are carrying knives because of what they see on social media. The county's Violence Reduction Unit says young people think they need to carry knives for protection although the number of reported cases is low.

Dentists in Somerset are reporting an increase in tooth extractions since Covid restrictions were eased. During lockdown, people were unable to get appointments, which has led to a build-up of patients needing treatment now.

A man has died in a road accident near Chard. His car left the A358 at Hornsbury Hill and ended up in a ditch early Saturday morning. A woman passenger was injured in the crash. Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the accident to contact them.

Two pub owners on the A37 outside Yeovil are complaining about roadworks losing them business. The Dorchester Road between Yeovil Showground and turn off to Stofford is being closed for 13 hours a day for resurfacing. Steven Graham who runs The Red House on Dorchester Road says his takings are down 25 percent. While Pete Lambden at the Quicksilver Mail says his passing trade has all but disappeared. Somerset County Council says Dorchester Road needs resurfacing and that the work should be finished by the end of this week.

Work begins today on relaying damaged and worn-out track on the Paddington to Penzance line at Somerton. The work will take place overnight when passenger trains are not running and will last until mid-November. Network Rail says with teams working through the night people living close to the line will experience some noise nuisance.

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Friday 29th May

South Western Ambulance Service is struggling to cope after a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke says a shortage of rental homes is making it harder for rural employers to attract workers. The National Trust is warning that changing weather patterns are making it difficult to maintain the Cerne Abbas Giant... and more
Thursday 28th May

People are being asked to take extra care in parks and open spaces as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fire. Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Yeovil can now go ahead after a High Court challenge by Mudford Parish Council was dismissed. A Somerset bakery chain has sparked a reaction after it stopped making iced buns... and more
Wednesday 27th May

The UK Health Security Agency has increased its heat health alert for Somerset to amber. Trading Standards officers have shut down three shops in Taunton after illegal cigarettes and vapes were discovered on the premises. Bridgwater Town Council is considering running its own bus services...and more
Tuesday 26th May

A Martock agricultural machinery business has gone into administration, putting around thirty jobs at risk. A new sensory room has opened at a Yeovil schook to support neurodiverse pupils. The headteacher of a Chard primary school is stepping down... and more
Friday 22nd May

The National Farmers Union in Somerset has welcomed the government’s new trade deal with six Gulf countries. Campaigners say Somerset’s canals and locks are in urgent need new investment. The Liverpool comedian John Bishop is heading to Somerset later this year...and more
Thursday 21st May

Police are being asked to cut the time the M5 is closed following accidents. Plans to build a major solar farm near Chard have been thrown out. Aldi is asking shoppers to help find locations for new stores in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 20th May

People in Somerset are being encouraged to get their cholesterol checked to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A Chard man has appeared in court charged with using threatening behaviour. A gardener from Somerset has won a silver award at the Chelsea Flower Show... and more
Tuesday 19th May

A Somerset car boot business says it will no longer accept twenty-pound notes after being handed counterfeit notes.Taunton Flower Show is warning this year’s event could be its last. Numatic, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, have invested one-and-a-half million pounds installing new solar panels at their factory in Chard... and more