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.
A survey has shown that it’s become almost impossible to book an NHS dental appointment in Chard, Ilminster, Crewkerne and Martock. Of eight dental practices questioned, none said they were accepting new patients, with two saying that patients would have to be ‘referred’ for them to receive treatment. The survey comes after the British Dental Association gave a warning that NHS dentistry in Somerset is on the brink of collapse.
It’s been confirmed that people in Somerset on the lowest incomes will not have to pay any council tax from next April. The decision was made at a meeting yesterday of Somerset County Council. Foster carers will also get a 50% reduction on their rates bills next year.
We're being asked to take extra care when using electric heaters. There's concern about a fire risk as more people use electric heaters to keep warm and cut energy costs. The charity Electrical Safety First says electric blankets, especially those that are several years old, also present a fire risk.
Anyone who worked at, or has connections with the old Morland's and Baily's sheepskin factories in Glastonbury is being invited to get involved in a new heritage project. It’s aimed at celebrating the town's working-class history.
Children are being invited to enter a competition to design a Christmas card for Avon and Somerset Police. To take part, children aged four to eleven should submit a simple drawing on the theme of ‘How police keep communities safe’. Two winners will receive a visit from the Police mounted section at home or at school, plus a gift voucher. The closing date for entries is Friday, December 2nd. More details can be found on the Avon and Somerset Police website.
Somerset Olympic Rower, Helen Glover, will be carrying the Team GB flag, together with diver Tom Daley, at this evening's opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Work has been completed building a new mental health ward in Yeovil. Martock Library is reducing its opening hours after losing funding from the Parish Council...and more.
A crowdfunding appeal has been launched raising money to help find a Chard man missing for almost two weeks in Sardinia. Somerset Council is to sell off some of its buildings to help balance the books. Building work on the UK's biggest electric vehicle battery factory near Bridgwater will begin next month...and more.
Drivers at Buses for Somerset are involved in a second day of strike action today. Police in Yeovil confiscated a motorbike that was being ridden without insurance. This year’s Charter Fair in Crewkerne will take place over three days from the 6th to the 8th of September. The main road through the cliffs at Cheddar Gorge is closed again today for filming...and more.
A sub-postmistress from Wells, falsely accused of stealing by the Post Office, is celebrating after finally being paid compensation. An amateur jockey from near Sherborne is in hospital after sustaining a serious back injury in a fall. A man who became violent towards staff at Hollywood Bowl in Yeovil has been jailed...and more.
The RSPCA in Somerset has reported a big increase in cases of animal cruelty. The mother of a Chard man, missing for more than a week in Sardinia, has launched a desperate plea to find him. A book detailing the life of one of Stalbridge’s most famous sons, the author Douglas Adams, has been gifted to Stalbridge Town Council...and more.
Glovers Walk shopping centre in Yeovil is to be demolished. The Rock and Ribs music festival starts at Wincanton racecourse today. A mobile clinic, part of the UK’s largest-ever health research programme, is coming to Chard and Yeovil. A new community magazine has been launched in Sparkford...and more.
Plans have been submitted to build 650 new houses in Wincanton. Farmers in Somerset have criticised Avon and Somerset Police for re-deploying four officers from the rural crime team. Glastonbury and Somerton MP, Sarah Dyke, has written to the new Transport Secretary asking for a meeting about restoring a rail link between Langport and Somerton...and more.
Work to upgrade the gas network on Preston Road in Yeovil begins later this month. Somerset Council has been given the go-ahead to deliver the final phase of the Yeovil Refresh project. The wet weather is being blamed for a big drop in visitor numbers to Somerset this summer...and more.
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