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 28th August

An organisation that investigates loan sharks has opened a branch in Taunton. Free parking on Sundays in Somerset's main towns could end just before Christmas. Local communities in and around Draycott will be able to take advantage of a shuttle bus service... and more.
Thursday 27th August

A 21 mile stretch of the M5 is to be given a 50mph speed limit for three years. Chard remains a safe place to work, live and visit say Avon & Somerset Police. Sunflowers of Somerset is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a photography competition and community activities... and more.
Wednesday 26th August

Two people have been arrested and released under investigation after the death of a baby in Crewkerne. A large sand picture of the prime minister has appeared in Burnham On Sea. The wet winter and hot summer means cider producers are struggling with their yields... and more.
Tuesday 25th August

Fire crews have been dealing with a fire in Ilchester which broke out yesterday afternoon. Somerset’s frontline health services say heatwaves and tourism are making their jobs more difficult. A Chard health store has been named Natural Lifestyle Retailer of the Year.. and more.
Monday 24th August

The Chair of the NFU has repeated calls for a longer-term plan to tackle bluetongue, Three men have been jailed for their involvement in car key burglaries in Somerset. Police say they’re treating a fire in Norton Fitzwarren as suspicious... and more.
Friday 21st August

Adam Dance MP has added his voice to those criticising this week’s Channel 4 documentary on ADHD. Visitors can now explore more of Ham Hill with a new off-road mobility scooter hiring scheme. Young people are being encouraged to join the Ilminster Carnival children’s procession... and more.
Thursday 20th August

Castle Cary railway station’s makeover has been officially unveiled. A new 18 million pound diagnostic centre in Bridgwater has opened. A Crewkerne teenager has been named ‘coach of the year’ for his work with Bristol City.... and more.
Wednesday 19th August

The fire service in Somerset has issued a plea for the public to take every precaution to prevent wildfires. Plans have been approved for Numatic International to install one-thousand solar panels on roof of their Chard factory. Somerset fast bowler, Jake Ball, has signed a new one-year contract that will keep him at the club for the 2027 season... and more