Local News Monday 26th July

Monday, 26 July 2021 06:00

Somerset's Director of Public Health, Trudi Grant, says the rules allowing NHS and social care staff to go to work after being told to self-isolate should only be used in "absolute emergency situations”. With the start of the summer holidays upon us, drivers are being reminded to check their vehicles before heading out on long journeys. Plans have been submitted to build five new houses in South Petherton...and more.

Somerset's Director of Public Health, Trudi Grant, says the rules allowing NHS and social care staff to go to work after being told to self-isolate should only be used in "absolute emergency situations”. She says employers need to consider that the virus could be spread by allowing employees, who have been told to self-isolate, back into the workplace.

With the start of the summer holidays upon us, drivers are being reminded to check their vehicles before heading out on long journeys. Highways England says 1 in 5 breakdowns on main routes like the A303 through South Somerset is caused by drivers not checking tyre pressures before setting off.

Somerset-based 40 Commando Royal Marines have been testing unmanned drone technology as a way of getting ammunition and medical supplies to the front line. The exercise, aimed at helping the Marines operate more efficiently, comes ahead of further testing by NATO of unmanned drones in America later this year.

Plans have been submitted to build five new houses in South Petherton. If approved by South Somerset District Council, they would be on land at The Old Fruit Farm in New Cross.

Demand for Somerset’s mental health services has risen by a third since the start of the pandemic. Somerset NHS says the majority of new cases are not connected to lockdown but young people anxious and depressed depression about their weight and body image.

The death has been announced of former Westland’s Test Pilot, John Fay. John Fay was a pioneer of rotorcraft flying in the 1950's and 60’s, he also played a pivotal role in the development of the Lynx helicopter. He died earlier this month, just a few weeks short of reaching his 100th birthday.

An arts group in Yeovil is asking people to decorate the front of their houses and gardens to celebrate the idea of ‘Home’. Yeovil Arts Space plans to create an artistic walking trail around the town and is asking people to be as creative with their designs.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more