Local News Thursday 17th November

Thursday, 17 November 2022 06:00

One in ten nursing posts in the South West is unfilled, according to NHS England figures. Local shop owners say they're 'pleasantly surprised' at how busy they are in the run-up to Christmas. People on low incomes, care leavers and foster carers are set to benefit from a council tax reduction scheme being introduced in Somerset from next April. The owners of Magdalen Farm near Chard have been thanked for providing a day of activities to a group of children with autism...and more.

One in ten nursing posts in the South West is unfilled, according to NHS England figures. The Royal College of Nursing says well-being in the workforce is at an all-time low. Its members have voted to go on strike in a row over pay.

Local shop owners say they're 'pleasantly surprised' at how busy they are in the run-up to Christmas. It was thought the cost of living crisis would affect spending at local shops, but the Director of Clarks Village in Street, Chris Davis, says he's optimistic about the festive season

People on low incomes, care leavers and foster carers are set to benefit from a council tax reduction scheme being introduced in Somerset from next April. A single person with an income below £95 a week and a couple with two children on a weekly income below £260 will pay no council tax at all. Some families with an income below £500 a week will also be eligible for support. Care leavers under 25 will continue to be exempt from council tax and registered foster carers and qualifying guardians will get a 50% reduction. The scheme will start with the launch of the new Somerset unitary Council on April 1st of next year

The owners of Magdalen Farm near Chard have been thanked for providing a day of activities to a group of children with autism. Children from the charity, ASCap, were kept busy with a woodland adventure and orienteering with low ropes. Magdalen Farm, which is fully adapted for children with additional needs, can be found on the B3162 near Winsham.

Radio Ninesprings afternoon Presenter, Victoria Welton, has progressed through to the finals of this year’s South West Wedding Photographer of the Year Awards. Victoria, a previous winner of the award on two occasions, will find out when the winners are announced on Monday next week if she has notched up a hat trick of wins.

More from News

Tuesday 2nd December

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a serious assault in Wincanton. Fire crews have dealt with a house fire in the village of Pitney. Plans have been submitted to redevelop Bridgwater Docks into a cultural and tourist destination. Ilminster's annual Christmas tree festival has opened in the town...and more
Monday 1st December

New figures show that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area rose by 8% in the year to June. South Western Railway has restarted running hourly services through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne following months of disruption. Persimmon Homes South West has donated £1500 towards the running costs of Castle Cary Rugby Club...and more
Friday 28th November

Somerset Council has failed to stop 150 homes being built in Crewkerne. Posters of a drag act coming to Somerset, displayed in Shepton Mallet, have been vandalised. Avon and Somerset police are using proceeds from drug crime to fund community projects...and more,
Thursday 27th November

A new NHS dentist in Chard will start seeing its first patients next Tuesday. The go-ahead has been given to install five new lighting and CCTV columns on Milfield Road in Chard. Work is to start in January, replacing ageing traffic signals at the A39 junction with Clarks Village in Street...and more
Wednesday 26th November

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, belonging to the Unite union, have accepted a new pay offer of 8% over two years. Yeovil Town has appointed a new first-team Manager. A new NHS dental practice is due to open in Chard next month...and more
Tuesday 25th November

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, is calling on the Chancellor to deliver ‘real economic growth’ for Yeovil in her budget tomorrow. The government has given Yeovil College £2 million to upgrade its engineering facilities. A Chard-based charity has sent 7,000 boxes filled with Christmas gifts to Ukraine...and more.
Monday 24th November

A church leader has warned that “irrevocable damage” will be caused to town centres if Somerset Council starts charging for Sunday parking. Fifty new homes are to be built in Castle Cary following a successful planning appeal. A call has been made for a memorial to the victims who died in a plane crash on the Blackdown Hills 80 years ago...and more.
Friday 21st November

A public inquiry is being held into plans to build a large solar farm in the village of Wayford. Fire crews have put out a small blaze at Tesco in Ilminster. Canadian firm KDC One is closing its Wellington factory, putting dozens of jobs at risk. It's Ilminster's turn to switch on the Christmas lights tonight... and more.