Local News Thursday 3rd June

Thursday, 3 June 2021 06:00

Yeovil Freewheelers, who deliver vital medical supplies between NHS sites across the South of England, has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Drivers in South Somerset are being asked to report overgrown grass verges where a risk to motorists and cyclists exists. Ninety percent of public rights of way in Somerset have been cleared and made ready for use. The proportion of people claiming out of work benefits is growing fastest in rural areas...and more.

Yeovil Freewheelers, who deliver vital medical supplies between NHS sites across the South of England, has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The organization, based at Yeovil Hospital, is the oldest surviving blood-bike group in the country and has been recognised for its work during the Covid pandemic.

Drivers in South Somerset are being asked to report overgrown grass verges where a risk to motorists and cyclists exists. Somerset County Council says priority is being given to cutting back overgrown roadside verges to ensure maximum safety for road users.

Ninety percent of public rights of way in Somerset have been cleared and made ready for use. The County has 9,000 public rights of way, covering almost 4,000 miles.

The proportion of people claiming out of work benefits is growing fastest in rural areas, including here in South Somerset, according to new data. Somerset County Council says the number of people claiming benefits across the County has doubled in the past year.

Solar panels are to be installed on eight council-owned buildings in Yeovil. Planning applications have been submitted for carrying out the work as part of a clean energy drive by South Somerset District Council. The buildings are:

The Jon O'Donnell Pavillion at Yeovil Recreation Centre
Westland Sports Club House on Westbourne Close
Wincanton Sports Centre
Westland Leisure Complex
Lufton Depot on Artillery Road
The Rangers Office at Ham Hill
Goldenstones Pool
Petters House Council offices

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Wednesday 28th January

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Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more