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.
Crewkerne Community Hospital is to lose half its inpatient beds. A review will be conducted of a project to make Bridgwater more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. Chard Methodist Church is offering residents a free lunch on Christmas Day. Yeovil-based Screwfix is opening a new outlet in Minehead...and more.
Yeovil MP Adam Dance has warned that delays in ordering 30 new medium lift helicopters for the RAF is putting the future of Somerset’s defence industries at risk. Somerset's farmers are being urged to convert more cow manure into biogas to heat homes. A new visitor centre has opened at Ham Hill country park...and more
Parcel business, Evri, has been criticised by Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke over what she claims have been ‘widespread delivery failures’. Demand for mental health support provided by South Western Ambulance Service is running at record levels. A nine-year-old Somerset boy has completed 100 days of litter picking for charity...and more
New data shows that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area is at an all-time high. Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard has issued a warning to prospective pet owners ahead of Christmas. The owner of four pubs in Somerset has warned that many could be forced to shut unless the government reconsiders business rates...and more.
Toolstream in Yeovil has been put into administration, threatening the jobs of dozens of employees. NHS Somerset has issued a last chance call for people to get a flu jab after hospital admissions increased by 76% in a week. Police are investigating the theft of a bike valued at £7,000 in Sherborne... and more
The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more