Local News Thursday 13th May

Thursday, 13 May 2021 06:00

David Fothergill leader of Somerset County Council

The Leader of Somerset County Council says he was disappointed but not surprised about how little was said in the Queen's Speech about planned changes to the social care system. Government plans to make the microchipping of cats compulsory have been welcomed by an animal charity in Somerset. A nurse from Yeovil has been speaking about singing alongside Rag 'n' Bone Man and Pink at the Brit awards...and more.

The Leader of Somerset County Council David Fothergill says he was disappointed but not surprised about how little was said in the Queen's Speech about planned changes to the social care system. The government used the speech to say proposals on social care reform would be "brought forward". Labour and other opposition parties - as well as some social care providers – have criticised ministers for not going further. County Council Leader, David Fothergill believes the government is still committed to reforming the care system.

Government plans to make the microchipping of cats compulsory have been welcomed by an animal charity in Somerset. Ministers pledged to ensure the "highest standards of animal welfare" in the Queen's Speech and a bill ensuring all cats are chipped was one measure included in the government's programme. Nikita Benney of Cat's Protection in Somerset says micro-chipping will help to cut down the number of pets that go missing.

A nurse from Yeovil has been speaking about singing alongside Rag 'n' Bone Man and Pink at the Brit awards. Natasha Ficarotta, who works at Yeovil District Hospital sang as part of the NHS choir on the song 'Anywhere Away From Here'. Natasha said weeks of rehearsals on Zoom went into making sure everyone gave their best at the live performance.

A South Somerset woman has created a set of toys to help children with complex needs to cope with the loss of a loved one. The wooden toys, which include figures of people, furniture and vehicles have been designed by Sarah Helton and are used by children who are unable to verbally communicate their feelings when a family member or friend dies.

More artistes have been added to the line-up of ‘Live at Worthy’. The event which has replaced this year’s cancelled Glastonbury Festival takes place online on Saturday, May 22nd. The new artistes set to perform include George Ezra and Yeovil’s PJ Harvey. Coldplay, Damon Albarn and Wolf Alice have already said they will be appearing.

More from News

Thursday 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more