Local News Thursday 21st October

Thursday, 21 October 2021 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Director of Public Health for Somerset, Trudi Grant, says Covid cases will carry on rising in the county as the fallout from false-negative PCR test results continues. The manager of the Ambulance Service which covers Somerset says he's doing everything he can to improve the service in the County. Two Sea King helicopters, built-in Yeovil, that for the past 30-years have been in service with the Belgian Air Force, are being flown back to Somerset today. The lineup’s been announced for this year’s Ilminster Literary Festival...and more.

The Director of Public Health for Somerset, Trudi Grant, says Covid cases will carry on rising in the county as the fallout from false-negative PCR test results continues. Bath & North East Somerset and Somerset West & Taunton have the highest rates of COVID in England. The Mendip area has the fourth-highest number of cases. Trudi Grant says it’s vital that people act responsibly to limit the further spread of Covid.

The manager of the Ambulance Service which covers Somerset says he's doing everything he can to improve the service in the County. Response times in the South West were the worst in England last month. Chief Executive of the South Western Ambulance Service Will Warrender says he's working hard to recruit more staff.

Two Sea King helicopters, built-in Yeovil, that for the past 30-years have been in service with the Belgian Air Force, are being flown back to Somerset today. The helicopters have been acquired to add to the collection of military aircraft at Historic Helicopters in Chard.

One of the oldest pubs in South Somerset has been put up for sale. The Wyndham Arms at Kingsbury Episcopi, built-in 1640, has two beer garden areas, a large car park, and a living area with three bedrooms.

The lineup’s been announced for this year’s Ilminster Literary Festival. More than twenty published authors have been booked to appear at the Festival that runs from the 10th to the 14th of November with a variety of venues in Ilminster taking part.

Farm buildings, converted for accommodation at the Newt Hotel near Bruton, have been voted the ‘Best Place to Stay in the South West’ in a poll conducted by the Sunday Times. ‘The Farmyard’ at the Newt has 17 bedrooms and an indoor oak-framed swimming pool and has only been open for bookings since June this year.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
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