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.

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Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

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Thursday 1st October

765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Wednesday 30th September

Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Tuesday 29th September

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.
Monday 28th September

Somerset Community Foundation says it has awarded more than £40 million in grants across the county. The family of a Somerset girl say they used AI to help diagnose her genetic condition. A property in Monks Dale, Yeovil is subject to a three month Closure Order... and more.
Friday 25th September

’20 Is Plenty’ is the message to drivers travelling through Langport. Chard’s Numatic manufacturing hub is marking 45 years of business with an investment of £85m into the company. Wessex Water tell us the hosepipe ban will remain across the region... and more.
Thursday 24th September

Somerset Council has approved a multi-million pound scheme to tackle flooding in the county. A person had to be transferred to hospital after an incident in Chard. A North Curry travellers’ site must be vacated by Christmas... and more.