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.

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Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more