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 2nd September

Yeovil-based charity, School in a Bag, has started sending supplies to Nepal to help in the aftermath of the devastating floods. 6,000 people have signed a petition opposing plans for a new relief road in Chard. The Royal British Legion in Somerset is appealing for more volunteers to help run this year’s Poppy Appeal... and more
Tuesday 1st September

One person had to be cut free from a vehicle following a two-vehicle collision on the A30 near Chard. A Yeovil man has been jailed for 7-and-a-half years for supplying cocaine and cannabis. Two Somerset teenagers have become the youngest to swim the Bristol Channel... and more
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.