Local News Wednesday 12th April

Wednesday, 12 April 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Businesses in Yeovil say they're worried for their futures as road works lasting thirty-six weeks start in the town centre. Staff at Yeovil Hospital are objecting to paying more to park at work. A new High Sheriff for Somerset has been appointed. The Bishop of Bath and Wells is to play a key role in the coronation of King Charles...and more.

Businesses in Yeovil say they're worried for their futures as road works lasting thirty-six weeks have started in the town centre this week. The High Street, Hendford and the Borough will stay shut until December for new pavement slabs to be laid as part of the Yeovil Refresh Project. Leader of Yeovil Town Council, Councillor Graham Oakes says people are fed up with the constant closing of roads in the town.

Staff at Yeovil Hospital are objecting to paying more to park at work. Currently, staff who park on-site pay 42.43 a month but from May 1st they will be charged £48.12. A nurse, who chose not to give her name, says at a time when healthcare workers are striking for better pay the higher charges are demoralising. Yeovil Hospital says because the cost to them of providing on-site parking has increased, the prices they charge must also rise to pay for it.

A new High Sheriff for Somerset has been appointed. He’s Robert Drewe who is a practising solicitor. The role of High Sheriff, a position that dates back more than a thousand years, is non-political with the incumbent acting as the King’s representative in Somerset in all things related to the legal system.

Health officials are asking the public to think carefully before using the A and E department at Yeovil Hospital as the strike by Junior Doctors bites harder. Junior Doctors belonging to the British Medical Association are demanding a thirty-five per cent pay rise and have stopped work until Saturday.

The Bishop of Bath and Wells is to play a key role in the coronation of King Charles at Westminster Abbey on May 6th. The Right Reverend Michael Beasley says he’s deeply honoured to be supporting His Majesty and the Queen Consort at the service which he says will be a truly historic moment.

More from News

Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more