Local News Wednesday 24th November

Wednesday, 24 November 2021 06:00

Avon and Somerset Police have issued warnings to twenty-one shops. At least 9,000 older people will need help from the Surviving Winter Appeal in Somerset this year. Latest figures show a steep increase in waiting times for treatment at Yeovil Hospital. A former supermarket building in Chard has been given a new lease of life. Ilchester Cheese in Ilchester has launched a new Marmite flavoured Cheddar cheese...and more.

Avon and Somerset Police have issued warnings to twenty-one shops that sold knives to underage children following a series of spot-checks. Large kitchen knives and other potential weapons were sold to children aged 15 and 16 during the force's largest ever test-purchase sting.

At least 9,000 older people will need help from the Surviving Winter Appeal in Somerset this year. That's according to Somerset Community Foundation who started the campaign more than a decade ago. It's asking for people who don't need their winter fuel allowance to donate it to charity.

Latest figures show a steep increase in waiting times for treatment at Yeovil Hospital. At the end of September, eleven and a half thousand people were on waiting lists at Yeovil Hospital, which was 40 percent higher than in September 2020. 43,000 people were waiting for treatment at all of Somerset’s hospitals at the end of September.

A former supermarket building in Chard has been given a new lease of life. The store on Fore Street previously used by Morrisons has been acquired by Chard Auctions. Business owner, Stuart Bull says auctions will be held at the shop on the first Saturday of the month.

The 2nd act for 'Live in Somerset, in Taunton next summer has been announced. Simply Red will be headlining the event in Vivary Park on Sunday the 28th August 2022. Ollie Murs will perform on the Friday of the same weekend.

Ilchester Cheese in Ilchester has launched a new Marmite flavoured Cheddar cheese. The company says the product launch is part of marking Ilchester Cheese’s 60th anniversary.

The Wurzels are coming to Yeovil. The Somerset-based band, famed for hits like Combine Harvester and I Am A Cider Drinker, are performing at the Westlands Entertainment venue on Thursday, December 2nd.

More from News

Thursday 6th August

A local man and convicted former neo-Nazi, selected by the Conservatives to stand in Crewkerne South in next year’s local elections for a seat on Somerset Council, has pulled out after a backlash against his candidacy. A charity that runs children's homes in Somerset is terminating its contract early following a critical report by Ofsted. A new playground and sports area is being built at Manor Court Primary School in Chard during the summer break...and more
Wednesday 5th August

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner is backing the wider use of police drones in towns like Yeovil to help tackle crime. Visitor numbers at Somerset's tourist attractions are down by around sixty per cent so far this year. A gardening expert says it'll take much more than the occasional shower to revive Somerset's parched lawns, parks and open spaces...and more
Tuesday 4th August

A Somerset doctor is calling for better community eye care. People in Glastonbury and Street are benefiting from a new bus service to Castle Cary railway station. A sailor from South Petherton is celebrating after sailing around the world... and more
Monday 3rd August

A yellow Heat Health Alert is in force across Somerset today. The swimming and leisure centre in Street remains closed following last Thursday's flooding in the plant room. Plans for a new primary school in Chard have been delayed until at least 2030... and more
Friday 31st July

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says July has been its busiest month ever for emergency calls. Police have recovered a 1970s Austin Mini pick-up stolen in Shepton Mallet. A specialist spinal injuries service at Yeovil Hospital has treated three hundred patients in its first year... and more
Thursday 30th July

The Environment Agency has declared a drought across Somerset as the hot weather takes its toll on the county's water supplies. Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic accident near Crewkerne. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow...and more
Wednesday 29th July

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a series of moped thefts in Chard. A combine harvester has been destroyed in a farm fire at Forton, near Chard. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow... and more
Tuesday 28th July

The former Beales department store in Yeovil could be brought back into use as part of a wider masterplan for the future of the town. A yellow heat health alert is in place across Somerset from nine o’clock this morning until nine o’clock on Friday morning. A Somerset farmer says this year is the driest on his land since 1976... and more