The head of tourism in Somerset says this week’s rail strikes will have a major impact on local tourism. Plans have been submitted to open a new NHS facility for children with autism and learning disabilities in Yeovil. A company that runs public swimming pools in Somerset says it's having difficulty sourcing supplies of chlorine. Farmfest planned to take place in Bruton in late July, has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales. A new national charity's been set up in the South West to support retired public service animals...andmore.
The head of tourism in Somerset says this week’s rail strikes will have a major impact on local tourism. The CEO of Visit Somerset, John Turner, says with trains not running and the cost of living crisis, Somerset’s tourism sector is facing a perfect storm.
Plans have been submitted to open a new NHS facility for children with autism and learning disabilities in Yeovil. The Somerset Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service have applied for a change of use on 105a Preston Road from residential to residential mental health. The planning application also includes building a small single-storey garden room extension at the rear of the building and a raised terrace area to the side.
A company that runs public swimming pools in Somerset says it's having difficulty sourcing supplies of chlorine. The problem is a lack of basic ingredients needed to produce chlorine and companies that make chlorine still dealing with a backlog of orders from the pandemic.
Farmfest planned to take place in Bruton in late July, has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Organisers of the two-day music event claim tickets haven’t sold well because people are facing big increases in their living costs.
A new national charity's been set up in the South West to support retired public service animals. Former police dog handlers and those who worked with dogs for the Ministry of Defence are being contacted by the newly formed National Federation for Retired Service Animals with a view to animals being given a good retirement.
An exhibition has opened of artwork produced by children at Greenfylde First School in Ilminster. The display showcasing the work of every pupil from pre-school to year four can be viewed at The Meeting House Arts Centre. The school has a separate display running at The Minster in Ilminster. It’s based on the school’s involvement in Sunflowers of Somerset, a community project aimed at encouraging people to grow sunflowers.
Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more