Local News Wednesday 14th June

Wednesday, 14 June 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

People aged over sixty-five in Somerset are being encouraged to check whether they might qualify for pension credit. New figures show that three-hundred-and-thirty-eight Ukrainian people have been resettled in South Somerset under the government’s ‘Homes from Ukraine’ scheme. Riding for the Disabled in Somerset is trying to find a therapy pony called Star who has disappeared from her field on the Blackdown Hills in South Somerset...and more.

People aged over sixty-five in Somerset are being encouraged to check whether they might qualify for pension credit. The benefit is worth up to three-and-a-half-thousand pounds a year but it's estimated that as many as eight-hundred-fifty-thousand people nationally may be missing out. Kim Watts from South Somerset Citizens Advice says there are misunderstandings around who qualifies for pension credit.

New figures show that three-hundred-and-thirty-eight Ukrainian people have been resettled in South Somerset under the government’s ‘Homes from Ukraine’ scheme that facilitates local people to sponsor and provide temporary housing to refugees fleeing the conflict with Russia. The figures, published by the Home Office, are current to March of this year. For its part, Somerset Council says it’s providing wrap-around support to refugees who have moved into the county.

Plans have been submitted to extend a doctor’s surgery in Yeovil. If approved, Ryalls Park Medical Centre on Marsh Lane near to Mudford recreation ground, would virtually double in size. Under the proposal, Yeovil Health Centre located on the first floor of Boots in Middle Street would move to Ryalls Park.

A disabled riding group in Somerset is trying to find a therapy pony called Star who has disappeared from her field on the Blackdown Hills in South Somerset. Anne Allen from the Riding for the Disabled Association has appealed for the safe return of the pony.

Ilminster Town Football Club has announced the date of its annual general meeting. The meeting, to appoint new roles as part of the ongoing changes in the club’s structures, is being held at the Archie Gooch Pavilion on Sunday, June 25th.

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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