Monday 15th July

Monday, 15 July 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil Hospital says a new operating theatre, specialising in orthopaedic surgery, is on target to open by the end of the year. Somerset Council’s ruling executive meets today to decide on paying its waste contractor, Suez, an extra 47 million pounds. Six thousand children at thirty primary schools in Somerset have taken part in a musical promotion in support of Team GB at the Paris Olympics...and more.

Yeovil Hospital says a new operating theatre, specialising in orthopaedic surgery, is on target to open by the end of the year. The theatre is currently being built on the roof of an existing four-storey building and will bring the number of operating theatres to five at Yeovil Hospital.

Somerset Council’s ruling executive meets today to decide on paying its waste contractor, Suez, an extra 47 million pounds to keep emptying Somerset's bins. Suez says it’s making big losses operating its waste contract with Somerset Council and needs the extra 47 million pounds to stay afloat. A report to today’s meeting says paying Suez the 47 million pounds will cost Somerset Council less than bringing the waste collection service ‘in-house’ or re-tendering the contract.

Wessex Water says its customers in Somerset will see their bills reduce by around two percent, despite water prices nationally going up. Wessex Water says the average household bill will be £497. Meanwhile, South West Water customers in Somerset face paying 13 percent more for water, with the average household bill rising to £560.

A former Press Officer at Yeovil Town says he’s lucky to still be walking after developing a serious back problem. James Healey was given emergency surgery after a bundle of nerves became trapped at the bottom of his spine, a condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome. As a thank you to the Bristol hospital that treated him, James is currently completing a 100 km fund raising walk.

Six thousand children at thirty primary schools in Somerset have taken part in a musical promotion in support of Team GB at the Paris Olympics. Their voices have been brought together on a Voices for Life project to record the sporting anthem ‘Let's Go’.

More from News

Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more
Tuesday 2nd June

Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group says a decision not to introduce mass screening for prostate cancer is the wrong one. A Martock woman has been banned from driving for 28 months. Somerset Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking the volunteers who help deliver council services... and more
Monday 1st June

People in Somerset with Football Banning Orders are being reminded they must surrender their passports by the end of today ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. A road in Yeovil will close for nine days later this week. Farmers from Somerset were among the winners of this year's ITV Britain's Got Talent final...and more
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