Groups representing bus, coach, and rail companies have said that face coverings will not be compulsory for passengers when the covid restrictions are relaxed. A man has died in a road traffic accident in Langport. More than a fifth of patients in Somerset avoided making a GP appointment in the past year. The Scouts say they need an extra five thousand volunteers for groups across the country, including here in Somerset...and more.
Groups representing bus, coach, and rail companies have said that face coverings will not be compulsory for passengers in England, when the covid restrictions are relaxed in six days' time. However, in line with government guidance, people will be expected to wear masks if services are busy. Latest data shows Covid cases are up by 726 in the Somerset County Council area.
A man has died in a road traffic accident in Langport. It’s understood the man was struck by a vehicle in the Portway at around 8.30 am yesterday morning.
More than a fifth of patients in Somerset avoided making a GP appointment in the past year. Between January and March, 6,280 patients in the NHS Somerset area who had needed GP appointments were asked if they had avoided booking them, and the reasons why. Of these, 1,330 (21%) said they were put off seeing a GP because they did not want to place a burden on the NHS. 16% said they did not make an appointment as they were worried about the risk of catching Covid-19. The figures come from the 2021 GP Patient Survey, which provides an overview of patients’ experiences with primary care services.
The Scouts say they need an extra five thousand volunteers for groups across the country, including here in Somerset. There are currently fifty-thousand young people on a waiting list to join the Scouts who can't join because there aren't enough adults to act as Leaders.
Two beekeepers in Somerset are celebrating after achieving a top award. Lynne Ingram and Richard Bache are part of a select group of just ninety-four beekeepers nationally to be presented with a National Diploma in Beekeeping.
Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more