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

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
Thursday 3rd September

Fifteen thousand people have signed a petition calling on Somerset Council to cancel plans for a huge data centre in Bridgwater. A nest of Asian hornets has been found in Somerset. More patients in Somerset are set to benefit from a hospital project aimed at restoring independence... and more
Wednesday 2nd September

Yeovil-based charity, School in a Bag, has started sending supplies to Nepal to help in the aftermath of the devastating floods. 6,000 people have signed a petition opposing plans for a new relief road in Chard. The Royal British Legion in Somerset is appealing for more volunteers to help run this year’s Poppy Appeal... and more
Tuesday 1st September

One person had to be cut free from a vehicle following a two-vehicle collision on the A30 near Chard. A Yeovil man has been jailed for 7-and-a-half years for supplying cocaine and cannabis. Two Somerset teenagers have become the youngest to swim the Bristol Channel... and more
Friday 28th August

An organisation that investigates loan sharks has opened a branch in Taunton. Free parking on Sundays in Somerset's main towns could end just before Christmas. Local communities in and around Draycott will be able to take advantage of a shuttle bus service... and more.
Thursday 27th August

A 21 mile stretch of the M5 is to be given a 50mph speed limit for three years. Chard remains a safe place to work, live and visit say Avon & Somerset Police. Sunflowers of Somerset is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a photography competition and community activities... and more.