Local News Thursday 7th October

Thursday, 7 October 2021 06:00

Avon and Somerset police have introduced new measures for the public to check an officer’s identity following the murder of Susan Everard by serving police officer, Wayne Couzens. It’s claimed 15,000 people in Somerset will be impacted by the 20-pounds-a-week cut in Universal Credit. The RSPCA in Somerset says it has rehomed thirteen hundred animals during the period of the pandemic. A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with possession of a class-B drug and using threatening behaviour...and more.

Avon and Somerset police have introduced new measures for the public to check an officer’s identity following the murder of Susan Everard by serving police officer, Wayne Couzens. When asked, officers now have to give the person they have stopped their name and collar number. Officers also have to let a member of the public speak directly with the Police Control Room to confirm the officer is who they say they are.

It’s claimed 15,000 people in Somerset will be impacted by the 20-pounds-a-week cut in Universal Credit. The government has defended the move saying the uplift, introduced at the start of the pandemic, was always meant to be temporary

The RSPCA in Somerset says it has rehomed thirteen hundred animals during the period of the pandemic. The charity says the boom in pet ownership over the last 20-months is due largely to the public turning to animals for companionship. The RSPCA says, however, that anyone thinking of getting a pet should check they have the time, money, and lifestyle to care for the animal for the whole of its life.

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with possession of a class-B drug and using threatening behaviour. George Darch, 26, of Aldon Springs on Dorchester Road, pleaded guilty to having in his possession 6.8 grams of cannabis when searched by police.
Darch was made the subject of a restraining order and fined £70 with costs.

A conference is being held today (07-10) to discuss the new, one council for Somerset. Around 200 Parish and Town Council representatives are attending the event in Bridgwater organized by the County Council and four district councils. Somerset will have a single council governing the whole county from April 2023 with the County and four district councils all abolished.

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