Local News Monday 7th November

Monday, 7 November 2022 06:00

Yeovil’s Marlie Packer was among the try scorers in England’s win against Canada to go through to the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. A Wincanton man has appeared in court charged with raping and kidnapping a woman. The South Western Ambulance Service which operates in Yeovil and across South Somerset has the longest wait times in the country for speaking with an operator in an emergency. Yeovil’s Octagon theatre is set to benefit from new arts funding...and more.

Yeovil’s Marlie Packer was among the try scorers in England’s win against Canada to go through to the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The final score was England 26 - Canada 19. England now play the hosts New Zealand in the final next Saturday. Marlie Packer began her playing career with Yeovil Rugby Club.

A Wincanton man has appeared in court charged with raping and kidnapping a woman. Gary Bridger of Dancing Lane was appearing at Bournemouth Crown Court. The charges relate to incidents on July 7th in Sherborne. Bridger, who pleaded not guilty will stand trial on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023.

The South Western Ambulance Service which operates in Yeovil and across South Somerset has the longest wait times in the country for speaking with an operator in an emergency. It takes almost one minute on average for ambulance control staff to answer a 999 call compared with just five seconds at the West Midlands Ambulance Service. South Western Ambulance says it’s recruiting more call handlers to help speed up answering 999 calls.

Yeovil’s Octagon theatre is set to benefit from new arts funding. The Arts Council has announced £111 million of new funding, with the Octagon in Yeovil, South West Heritage Trust and Somerset Arts Works in our area getting a small but not insignificant share of the money.

Local TV personality, Sarah Beeny, who lives near Bruton, is urging people undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer not to feel ashamed when they lose their hair. Sarah, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer, says if someone has breast cancer and is being treated, the fact they’ve no hair is not a reason to be ashamed. She says people who are bald are often stereotyped, which is something that she is now campaigning to change.

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more