Local News Wednesday 29th June

Wednesday, 29 June 2022 06:00

South West Water is under investigation over its treatment of sewage. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer. Wiltshire Farm Foods say they hope to have all systems up and running again next week after suffering a major cyber attack. People in Somerset who’re having to leave their rented homes say changes to the law that will give them greater protection can't come soon enough...and more.

South West Water is under investigation over its treatment of sewage. It joins five other water companies being looked at over wastewater concerns by the regulator Ofwat. Raw sewage was discharged into waterways 375,000 times last year according to the Environment Agency. South West Water, which has services in Somerset, says it's taking Ofwat's decision "very seriously”.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of Bill Sivewright. Charles Hackett says he's looking forward to developing the charity into the future.

Wiltshire Farm Foods say they hope to have all systems up and running again next week after suffering a major cyber attack. The company supplies frozen meals to thousands of people in Somerset, including to Yeovil hospital.

People in Somerset who’re having to leave their rented homes say changes to the law that will give them greater protection can't come soon enough. The Renters Reform Bill will prevent landlords from evicting tenants without giving a reason, and puts an end to the blanket bans on renting homes to families with children.

The Chard Local Kids Society for Music and Drama will start performances of Aladdin tomorrow night for 3-nights at Chard Guildhall. CLOKS, as they are called, were due to perform the ‘King and I’ in 2020 but had to cancel due to Covid.

A school in Ilminster is celebrating taking part in the finals of a national dodge ball championships. Year six pupils at Swanmead Community School played in the finals in Stoke-on-Trent where they finished the 16th best in England at dodge ball out of the 230 schools taking part in the competition.

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Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,