Local News Thursday 17th November

Thursday, November 17th, 2022 6:00am

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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Local News Wednesday 30th November

An investigation has been launched into an alleged incident during a hunt in South Somerset. A 'warm room' is being set up in Yeovil for people unable to afford to heat their own homes. Children at a school near Ilminster have each been given a fleece to wear to help keep them warm while playing outside. People in Ilminster are being asked to help shape the town’s future...and more.
Local News Tuesday 29th November

Work has started setting-up temporary classrooms within the grounds of Milford Junior School in Yeovil. People who live in Park Homes in Somerset have been in London protesting about a 40-year-old law. An area of grassland in Ilminster has been planted with wildflowers as part of a project to make Ilminster greener. A guide dog has been introduced to the group of dancers in Somerton who helped to pay for it to be trained...and more.
Local News Monday 28th November

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Shelford is urging people to be extra careful shopping for Black Friday deals. A Wincanton woman has appeared in court charged with assault. Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Yeovil involving a Ford Focus and a van in which the van driver suffered a broken foot. There's a chance to have your say on the response to flooding in Somerset in the future. A Somerset woman has been paid £1,000 in compensation for a delay that meant she was unable to use the bathroom in her home...and more.
Local News Friday 25th November

Private landlords in Somerset are being asked to provide accommodation for Ukrainian families. The Boundary Commission is asking for people’s views on proposed changes to Somerset’s Parliamentary constituencies. Yeovil Town footballer, Charlie Wakefield has made a YouTube documentary looking at issues of mental health in football. Members of Yeovil, Sherborne and District Soroptimists will be out and about today campaigning in support of a safer world for women and girls. Plans have been passed to build a new visitor centre and café at Ham Hill Country Park...and more.
Local News Thursday 24th November

A survey has shown that it’s become almost impossible to book an NHS dental appointment in Chard, Ilminster, Crewkerne and Martock. It’s been confirmed that people in Somerset on the lowest incomes will not have to pay any council tax from next April. We're being asked to take extra care when using electric heaters. Children are being invited to enter a competition to design a Christmas card for Avon and Somerset Police...and more.