Local News Thursday 20th October

Thursday, 20 October 2022 06:00

One of the companies that supplies gas to homes and businesses in Somerset is asking customers not to tamper with their gas and electricity meters. Police are appealing for help in finding a man who's gone missing from Yeovil and who needs urgent medical treatment. New data has shown that nearly a quarter of inquests held in Somerset last year have been delayed for more than two years. Police are investigating a break-in at the Co-op store in Ilminster. Yeovil Literary Festival gets underway today...and more.

One of the companies that supplies gas to homes and businesses in Somerset is asking customers not to tamper with their gas and electricity meters. Wales and West Utilities says there’s been a sharp rise in reports of meter interference and that by doing so people are putting themselves at risk.

Police are appealing for help in finding a man who's gone missing from Yeovil and who needs urgent medical treatment. 50-year-old Alan was last seen on Watercombe Lane off Preston Road on Monday afternoon. He has tattoos on his arms and hands and was wearing a plain black baseball cap, a black jacket, black jeans, a white t-shirt and black trainers. Anyone who sees Alan is asked to call 999.

New data has shown that nearly a quarter of inquests held in Somerset last year have been delayed for more than two years. The government says the pandemic placed immense pressure on coroners’ courts and that a raft of measures to help clear the backlogs has been introduced.

Police are investigating a break-in at the Co-op store in Ilminster. Police say it happened in the early hours of last Saturday, October 15th when a quantity of cigarettes was stolen. CCTV footage of a man police would like to identify can be viewed on the Avon and Somerset Police website.

Yeovil Literary Festival gets underway today. The 2022 event marks the tenth year of the festival and features no less than 54 different writers and celebrities, many of whom are household names. Events are being staged at the Octogan theatre, the Westland Entertainment venue, and Yeovil Library, over the next five days.

A Crewkerne woman has been recognised for her work helping children with special educational needs and disabilities. Pearl Barnes who has worked as a SEND Leader for 24 yrs was presented with her certificate at the National Association for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities annual gathering in Birmingham.

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