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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