The government’s 'Home for Ukrainians' scheme has been welcomed in Somerset. The numbers of Covid patients in hospitals are rising faster here in the South West than anywhere else in the country. Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society's performance of Kinky Boots at the Octagon Theatre tonight (15-03) has had to be postponed due to Covid. Vandals have damaged a red telephone box at Holwell near Sherborne for a second time...and more.
The government’s 'Home for Ukrainians' scheme has been welcomed in Somerset. It’s aimed at finding homes for the thousands of Ukrainian refugees expected in the UK from next week. Those providing refugees with accommodation will be paid £350 pounds a month. Cabinet Member for Education and Public Health at the County Council, Councillor Claire Paul, says Somerset is ready for the challenge.
Drivers travelling at night on the A303 between the Southfields roundabout and the A30 junction at Newcott are being advised to plan their journeys in advance. It’s due to the stretch of the A303 shutting for repairs overnight between 6.30 pm and 7 am. Another local main road that is closed overnight for repairs is the A358 between the junction at Ilminster Road and the junction at Langport Road. A diversion is in place during the hours of closure.
The numbers of Covid patients in hospitals are rising faster here in the South West than anywhere else in the country. The NHS says the majority with Covid are in hospital for other reasons. The rise in patient numbers testing positive with the virus is proving to be a big challenge.
Long Sutton Post Office has re-opened at a new location. It'll now run from the Village Shop on Martock Road, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, and 9.30 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.
Yeovil Amateur Operatic Society's performance of Kinky Boots at the Octagon Theatre tonight (15-03) has had to be postponed due to Covid. Several cast and crew members have tested positive for the virus and have been forced to withdraw from the show.
Vandals have damaged a red telephone box at Holwell near Sherborne for a second time. Glass panels replaced from an earlier incident have been smashed again. If you feel you can help the police with their enquiries you are asked to call the non-emergency number 101.
The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,