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

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