Local News Thursday 21st April

Thursday, 21 April 2022 at 06:00

Egg producers in Somerset are warning of shortages because of soaring costs. It’s costing more than half-a-million pounds every year for police to enforce the badger cull in Somerset. Somerset’s Public Health team is again urging older and more vulnerable people to take up the offer of a free, further Covid-19 booster jab. Academics from the University of Reading are appealing to apple tree owners in Somerset to take part in a research project and Somerset jockey, Bryony Frost, is facing a spell on the sidelines and is unsure when she will return to competition, after suffering a fall on th

Egg producers in Somerset are warning of shortages because of soaring costs. Their trade body, the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, is asking supermarkets to raise prices, otherwise, they'll have to limit production. They say the cost of feeding hens had risen by fifty percent and energy costs by forty percent.

It’s costing more than half-a-million pounds every year for police to enforce the badger cull in Somerset, aimed at slowing the spread of bovine tuberculosis. Figures show it cost more than £540,000 to enforce the cull in Somerset in 2021 and that more than £5.6million has been spent in total since the cull was introduced in 2013. Campaigners have called for an end to the cull, describing it as poor value for money, and ineffective at combating the spread of TB.

Somerset’s Public Health team is again urging older and more vulnerable people to take up the offer of a free, further Covid-19 booster jab. People aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes, and those aged 12 and over with weakened immune systems, are being offered a Spring booster of the coronavirus vaccine. For the latest information on Covid-19 testing, vaccinations, support, and guidance, go to the Somerset County Council website.

Academics from the University of Reading are appealing to apple tree owners in Somerset to take part in a research project. They say samples taken from apple trees show the extent of damage caused by climate change, and the impact it has on pollinators.

Somerset jockey, Bryony Frost, is facing a spell on the sidelines and is unsure when she will return to competition, after suffering a fall on the opening day of the Grand National meeting. The 27-year-old was riding the Paul Nicholls trained ‘Thyme White’ when she fell in the Red Rum Handicap Chase. Scans have shown she fractured vertebrae and injured her shoulder.

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Friday 30th October

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Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more