Local News Tuesday 18th January

Tuesday, 18 January 2022 at 00:00

South Somerset District Council is offering free energy efficiency surveys to local people to help them save money on their energy bills. A temporary timetable has been introduced by South Western Railway. Employers in Somerset are being told they need to think about the mental and physical health impacts of staff working from home. Motorists are facing three weeks of diversions while a key route on the Blackdown Hills is resurfaced. People are being asked to comment on plans for the future of areas of outstanding natural beauty in South Somerset...and more.

South Somerset District Council is offering free energy efficiency surveys to local people to help them save money on their energy bills. The district Council has bought two thermal imaging cameras to show people where heat is escaping from their homes and where better insulation is needed. If you would like a free energy check made on your home, visit the South Somerset District Council website for details.

A temporary timetable has been introduced by South Western Railway, who run trains through Yeovil Crewkerne and Sherborne, following high numbers of staff absences due to the Omicron variant of Coronavirus. The timetable is designed to help key workers, school pupils, and those who have to attend at work, plan their journeys.

Employers in Somerset are being told they need to think about the mental and physical health impacts of staff working from home. The Health and Safety Executive has published guidance suggesting employers talk more to staff who are based at home and do risk assessments with them about their mental health.

Motorists are facing three weeks of diversions while a key route on the Blackdown Hills is resurfaced. Work is due to begin early next month on Blackdown Hill Road, on the Somerset-Devon border that provides a link between the A38 and the A303 west of Ilminster. Motorists are being advised of a 24-mile diversion during the period that resurfacing is taking place.

People are being asked to comment on plans for the future of areas of outstanding natural beauty in South Somerset, including the Blackdown Hills. It follows publication of the government’s proposals to protect England’s AONB’s based on the findings of a Landscapes Review.

A new all-female singing group has launched in Chard. Blackdown Acapella sing in four-part harmony and currently has twenty members. If you’d like to join them, call Chard Town Council for details.

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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