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

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