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.

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