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

Wednesday 17th September

The Environment Agency is being urged to rethink its decision to stop maintaining smaller rivers and streams in Somerset. South Western Railway, which runs trains through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne, has issued body cameras to more of its staff. Twelve new neighbourhood officers have joined Avon and Somerset Police...and more
Tuesday 17th September

Plans have been submitted to build 61 new homes between Montacute and Stoke-sub-Hamdon. Organisers of Langport Triathlon say it’ll be a few more days before they’re able to give out the results in the cycling section following a medical emergency in the crowd at Sunday's event. A new town crier is wanted in Wells...and more.
Monday 15th September

NHS Somerset says it’s 'fully committed' to re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital, but won't say when it will reopen. Water levels at Somerset's reservoirs have dropped below 50%, despite the recent heavy rain. A charity shop in Martock has reunited a long-lost compass with its owner after he lost it 70 years ago...and more
Friday 12th September

One of Somerset's most prominent horse trainers says planned tax increases on remote betting could be a ‘nail in the coffin’ for horse racing. An Ilchester man has been arrested in connection with a burglary in West Dorset. Somerset Council’s Chief Executive and other senior officers have been given a 3.2% pay rise...and more
Thursday 11th September

A bill put forward by Yeovil MP Adam Dance, calling for better awareness of pupil neurodivergent behaviour in schools, has passed its first reading in the Commons. Around 40 thousand people in Somerset could have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Dozens of bikers will take to the roads in Somerset this weekend in support of a breast cancer charity...and more
Wednesday 10th September

Yeovil Town Football Club has been given a two-year extension to buy back Huish Park from Somerset Council. A takeaway business in Bridgwater has been stripped of its licence after three employees were discovered working there illegally. A company in South Chard has been celebrating its 200th anniversary...and more
Tuesday 9th September

People are being asked to comment on proposals to introduce Sunday charges at Somerset Council-run car parks. A Pilton man has been jailed after cannabis valued at £28,500 was found at his home. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has started an appeal to raise £1 million...and more.
Monday 8th September

Farmers in Somerset will be driving their tractors to protest at Labour’s annual Party Conference in Liverpool later this month. A Somerset animal rescue centre says it’s dealing with a surge in the number of large dog breeds being surrendered or rehomed. The George Inn in Ilminster has announced that it will be reopening to customers on Monday, September 15th...and more