Local News Thursday 15th December

Thursday, 15 December 2022 06:00

One hundred and sixty-nine motorists have been arrested in the first three weeks of the Avon and Somerset Police Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving. A consultant in public health at Somerset County Council says it's important to keep homes warm during the day. 8.6 million pounds is being spent refurbishing five schools in Crewkerne and Ilminster. This winter, an appeal to support vulnerable people in Somerset has raised more than 100 thousand pounds...and more.

One hundred and sixty-nine motorists have been arrested in the first three weeks of the Avon and Somerset Police Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving. ‘Operation Tonic’ with officers carrying out roadside checks as part of the campaign was started earlier this year to coincide with the World Cup. Last year’s campaign resulted in the arrests of 246 drivers.

A consultant in public health at Somerset County Council says it's important to keep homes warm during the day, particularly for people who are vulnerable to the cold. Alice Munro says not keeping rooms well heated can lead to serious health problems.

8.6 million pounds is being spent refurbishing five schools in Crewkerne and Ilminster. Ashlands Primary School is getting a new classroom built. Herne View Primary School is having its classrooms refurbished. Wadham School is getting a new food classroom and dining space built. Maiden Beech Primary School is getting a new classroom for reception children. And, new windows, doors and a new heating system are being fitted at Wadham School, together with a refurbishment of the science block.

This winter, an appeal to support vulnerable people in Somerset has raised more than 100 thousand pounds. The Somerset Surviving Winter Appeal, organized by Somerset Community Foundation runs every year with the public donating their winter fuel payment for giving to those in greatest need.

There is just over one week left to comment on a new plan for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Somerset. The Somerset SEND Partnership is urging families to share their thoughts before the 23rd of December. The strategy will set out the next steps to improve the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Somerset.

A sprig of thorn from Glastonbury is on its way to King Charles to include in his Christmas table display. Legend has it that the holy thorn in Glastonbury was planted by Joseph of Arimathea when he brought the Holy Grail to the town and established Glastonbury’s first Christian church. The tradition of taking a cutting to give to the Monarch was started by the Bishop of Bath and Wells back in the reign of King James the First.

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Thursday 16th May

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Wednesday 15th May

Somerset Council seeking to save £40 million by cutting one thousand jobs says 201 employees have so far applied to leave the authority based on voluntary redundancy. East Somerset Railway near Shepton Mallet has been used for filming the TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper's novel Rivals. An old-style red phone box in Castle Cary is being turned into Somerset's smallest museum...and more
Tuesday 14th May

Somerset's Chief Medical Officer says GP surgeries using healthcare professionals alongside doctors to provide treatments has freed up GP appointments. A farmer has been fined £15,000 for polluting a household water supply. Avon and Somerset’s new Police and Crime Commissioner has officially started work in the role. Chard Post Office is closed today for the handover of the business to new owners...and more.
Monday 13th May

Health inspectors have criticised Somerset's maternity services, including those at Yeovil Hospital. Somerset Council says re-opening Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre in its original form could cost up to £200,000 if a multi-million-pound upgrade of the building falls through. A film made by a Yeovil man on a budget of just five thousand pounds was screened at the prestigious British Independent Film Festival...and more.
Friday 10th May

The Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard says it needs an immediate injection of £100,000 to keep going. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has returned to Yeovil Rugby Club where she began her rugby career 20 years ago. Twenty-five Town criers from across the South will be in Ilminster tomorrow competing in the annual Ilminster Town Criers' Competition...and more.
Thursday 9th May

Train services through Somerset are again being disrupted today due to continued strike action by the train driver’s union ALSEF. A campaign has been launched in Somerset aimed at stopping people overdosing on opioids. A Somerset business is raising a smile with its name.‘Top Of The Clops’, a tack shop near Taunton has won a place in the top ten of the UK’s funniest business names...and more.
Wednesday 8th May

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