Local News Tuesday 3rd May

Tuesday, 3 May 2022 06:00

Churches in Somerset are being warned to be extra vigilant for thieves targeting church roofs for metal. A Somerset woman is campaigning for long Covid to be recognised as a disability. Households will no longer have to pay to dump DIY waste at public tips under plans set out by the government. Members of Milborne Port Opera are calling for greater investment in the arts scene in Somerset and Children at Shepton Beauchamp Church School are keeping a close eye on a nest of Blue Tits where some eggs have been laid.

Churches in Somerset are being warned to be extra vigilant for thieves targeting church roofs for metal. Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical says metal thefts from churches are on the increase; it’s believed due to a rise in the price of lead and copper.

A Somerset woman is campaigning for long Covid to be recognised as a disability. Holly Pearse is a victim of ongoing Covid symptoms and fears that in the long term it could impact her employment. She wants sufferers to be given greater protection at work from being dismissed because of having the illness

Households will no longer have to pay to dump DIY waste at public tips under plans set out by the government. It would include plasterboard, bricks and baths. The move’s aimed at cutting fly-tipping with councils in England reporting over a million fly-tipping incidents in 2021.

Members of Milborne Port Opera are calling for greater investment in the arts scene in Somerset. The group says whichever political party wins control of the new Somerset unitary council after the local elections on Thursday, they want the new council to make more investment in theatres and village halls and to provide a wider range of local sporting opportunities.

Children at Shepton Beauchamp Church School are keeping a close eye on a nest of Blue Tits where some eggs have been laid. When the time comes for the eggs to hatch, the children will get a close-up view of events, thanks to a camera that has been installed inside the bird box where the Blue Tits have built their nest.

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Tuesday 27th January

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Monday 26th January

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
Friday 23rd January

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.
Thursday 22nd January

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
Wednesday 21st January

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
Tuesday 20th January

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
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more