Local News Thursday 30th September

Thursday, 30 September 2021 at 06:00

Yeovil Hospital failed to meet government targets on cancer treatment over a two-year period, according to figures from Cancer Research UK. National Highways says the A303 at Marsh on the Somerset/Devon border will not be upgraded if plans to dual the A358 between Ilminster and the M5 are approved. Three areas of Wincanton could see big improvements in the New Year. A Merriot man has embarked on running 52 half marathons to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Yeovil Hospital failed to meet government targets on cancer treatment over a two-year period, according to figures from Cancer Research UK. The charity says NHS policy states that 85% of cancer patients urgently referred by a GP should start treatment within 62 days. However, between April 2019 and July this year, Yeovil Hospital missed the target. Cancer Research UK says a radical reform of screening and diagnostic services is needed, backed up by longer-term investment. The Department of Health and Social Care says its providing record investment in the NHS, including an additional £9 billion for elective and cancer care.

National Highways says the A303 at Marsh on the Somerset/Devon border will not be upgraded if plans to dual the A358 between Ilminster and the M5 are approved. Meanwhile, Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh says he’s continuing to lobby the government to dual the A303 Ilminster bypass, as part of the next roads investment strategy from 2025.

Three areas of Wincanton could see big improvements in the New Year. As part of plans to regenerate the town, South Somerset District Council say work will begin early in 2022 on improving Carrington Way, High Street and Market Place. In Carrington Way, a road crossing will be created with a planted areas introduced in front of the library. The scheme will also see the junction with High Street enhanced through wider pavements. On the High Street, pavements will be widened and two new on-street parking bays introduced. In Market Place, safer road crossing points will be created, along with new-planted areas and improvements to existing historic buildings.

A Merriot man has embarked on running 52 half marathons to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. Carl Hedges is also running 52, 10K’s and 52, 5k’s in memory of his grandfather Kevin Hedges who died of heart failure. Carl aims to complete the challenge by Christmas and will have covered the equivalent distance from London to Rome.

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