Local News Wednesday 18th August

Wednesday, 18 August 2021 06:00

Record numbers of young people are being treated for eating disorders in Somerset. The Environment Agency has launched a month-long series of patrols targeted at people fishing illegally in Somerset. A national team is working with the police and South Somerset District Council to help educate people on how to spot a loan shark. A contractor has been appointed to undertake major improvement works to the town centre in Chard...and more.

Record numbers of young people are being treated for eating disorders in Somerset. New figures show 128 young people began treatment for issues like anorexia and bulimia between July 2020 and June of this year, which was 82 more than in the same period the year previous. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust says the pandemic, causing anxiety and isolation had contributed to young people developing eating disorders for the first time.

The Environment Agency has launched a month-long series of patrols targeted at people fishing illegally in Somerset. Enforcement officers with support from the Angling Trust, voluntary bailiffs and local police are conducting patrols around rivers, lakes and ponds to protect fisheries from harmful activity, including theft and fishing with illegal traps. The patrols coincide with National Fishing Month that runs to the end of August.

A national team is working with the police and South Somerset District Council to help educate people how to spot a loan shark. The 'bite back' campaign has been launched to offer support and highlight alternative and safe ways for people to borrow money.

A contractor has been appointed to undertake major improvement works to the town centre in Chard. Civil engineers, Alun Griffiths Ltd, will carry out the works in Fore Street, Holyrood Street, Boden Street and the Eastern Gateway. South Somerset District Council, who over see the Chard Regeneration Project, say it will create a better town centre environment, worthy of Chard’s historic character, meanwhile, Chard looks set to get a new business centre. Somerset County Council plan to build the centre on land they own near the recycling centre, on Beeching Close. It's the latest in a series of County Council funded enterprise centres for small and medium size businesses.

A project is coming to Somerset aimed at encourage more people to cycle. 'Get Somerset Cycling' is led by the national charity Lifecycle UK and offers a range of incentives to help people feel better mentally and physically through cycling.

More from News

Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more