Local News Tuesday 9th August

Tuesday, 9 August 2022 07:09

New figures have shown that bus passenger numbers in Somerset are thirty percent below what they were before the pandemic. New research has shown that it has become almost impossible to register as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset. A Somerset man has been explaining why he’s decided to return to Ukraine. A fully accessible forest school has been launched near Langport and more.

New figures have shown that bus passenger numbers in Somerset are thirty percent below what they were before the pandemic and that travel by bus pass holders is at its lowest level ever. Now, Somerset County Council and the Somerset Bus Partnership have joined forces on a campaign called Bus It that’s aimed at persuading people not to use a car but to travel by bus instead.

New research has shown that it has become almost impossible to register as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset. It found that nine out of ten practices in the County are unable to take on new NHS patients. The government says its provided £50 million pounds to better support dentists. Ian Mills, spokesperson for The British Dental Association in Somerset says the situation remains difficult.

People in Yeovil are being encouraged to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Pharmacy2U which runs the Yeovil vaccination clinic in King George Street is offering people of all ages a first, second, or booster jab. Parents and guardians are asked to attend with children aged under 15.

A Somerset man has been explaining why he’s decided to return to Ukraine. Steve Brooks went to Ukraine at the start of the war to provide first aid training on the front line. He returned home after a couple of months away but has now gone back to southern Ukraine. He says the situation in Ukraine is worsening by the day and that he plans to stay for quite a while.

A fully accessible forest school has been launched near Langport. The Graceful Badger Forest School gives children the opportunity to sample the natural arts and use the woods for play activities.

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Community Headlines on Radio Ninesprings: Sunday 9th to Saturday 15th August
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. A new playground and sports area is being built at Manor Court Primary School in Chard during the summer break...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
Monday 3rd August

A yellow Heat Health Alert is in force across Somerset today. The swimming and leisure centre in Street remains closed following last Thursday's flooding in the plant room. Plans for a new primary school in Chard have been delayed until at least 2030... and more
Friday 31st July

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says July has been its busiest month ever for emergency calls. Police have recovered a 1970s Austin Mini pick-up stolen in Shepton Mallet. A specialist spinal injuries service at Yeovil Hospital has treated three hundred patients in its first year... and more
Thursday 30th July

The Environment Agency has declared a drought across Somerset as the hot weather takes its toll on the county's water supplies. Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic accident near Crewkerne. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow...and more
Wednesday 29th July

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a series of moped thefts in Chard. A combine harvester has been destroyed in a farm fire at Forton, near Chard. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow... and more