Local News Tuesday 1st February

Tuesday, 1 February 2022 06:00

People aged sixteen and over in South Somerset, who are severely immunosuppressed, can book to have a booster Covid jab online from today. Incidents of illegal fly-tipping rose significantly across South Somerset last year, according to new data. People in South Somerset with Type two diabetes could be offered a soup-and-shake diet on the NHS. Organisers of the Ilminster Tree Project say they’ve planted more than 2,000 trees as part of efforts to plant 7,000 trees, representing one tree for every resident of the town...and more.

People aged sixteen and over in South Somerset, who are severely immunosuppressed, can book to have a booster Covid jab online from today. The group includes people having treatment for conditions such as cancer or those with long-term chronic conditions where their condition puts them at greater risk if they were to contract Covid. Meanwhile, Covid rules in local care homes have been eased. Restrictions on visitor numbers have been lifted, together with the isolation periods for staff who test positive with Covid, cut to 14 days.

Incidents of illegal fly-tipping rose significantly across South Somerset last year, according to new data. Figures from DEFRA, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, show 797 incidents of fly-tipping were reported in South Somerset in 2021, compared to 561 in 2020.

People in South Somerset with Type two diabetes could be offered a soup-and-shake diet on the NHS. A pilot study found that it helped obese people lose more than two stones in three months. People who are put on the diet will get the soups and shakes for free and get support from clinicians. After three months, they'll be given a programme to reintroduce nutritious food to their diet.

Organisers of the Ilminster Tree Project say they’ve planted more than 2,000 trees as part of efforts to plant 7,000 trees, representing one tree for every resident of the town. A social event is being held at The Dolphin Inn in Ilminster tonight for those involved in the project and for anyone who would like to join as a volunteer.

Yeovil Town are back in action tonight, they take on Weymouth in a National League fixture at Huish Park, the kick-off is at 7:45 pm.

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Thursday 13th August

An Ilminster family is celebrating after winning one million pounds on the National Lottery. Police have released a picture of a man they want to speak to in connection with suspected frauds in Somerset. Somerset Council has opened a tendering process to find a main contractor for the £15 million upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon theatre... and more
Wednesday 12th August

Experts say with good visibility forecast for this evening, people across Somerset should have some of the best views of the solar eclipse anywhere in the UK. A Somerset councillor is calling for the Stop Line cycle route between Chard and Ilminster to be better supported. It's 40-years ago this week since a Lynx helicopter built in Yeovil set a new World Helicopter Speed Record... and more
Tuesday 11th August

Wessex Water says a hosepipe ban is possible if customers fail to cut their water usage. A record number of illegal dog fights were reported in Somerset last year. Yeovil Town's Mason Obeng has won the traditional sack of potatoes, given to the player who scores Yeovil's first goal of the new season, as a lucky omen... and more
Monday 10th August

A local councillor claims anti-social behaviour is putting people off coming into Yeovil town centre. South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban in the Chard area. Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stuck at one of its stations... and more
Friday 7th August

Chard's biggest employer, Numatic International, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has announced job cuts. A new Neighbourhood Plan for Hatch Beauchamp has officially been adopted. Two historic artefacts taken from Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years ago have been returned...and more
Thursday 6th August

A local man and convicted former neo-Nazi, selected by the Conservatives to stand in Crewkerne South in next year’s local elections for a seat on Somerset Council, has pulled out after a backlash against his candidacy. A charity that runs children's homes in Somerset is terminating its contract early following a critical report by Ofsted...and more
Wednesday 5th August

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner is backing the wider use of police drones in towns like Yeovil to help tackle crime. Visitor numbers at Somerset's tourist attractions are down by around sixty per cent so far this year. A gardening expert says it'll take much more than the occasional shower to revive Somerset's parched lawns, parks and open spaces...and more
Tuesday 4th August

A Somerset doctor is calling for better community eye care. People in Glastonbury and Street are benefiting from a new bus service to Castle Cary railway station. A sailor from South Petherton is celebrating after sailing around the world... and more