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

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more