Local News Wednesday 2nd November

Wednesday, 2 November 2022 06:00

GPs in Somerset need to make their websites easier to use. NHS data shows cases of type-2 diabetes, generally associated with older people, are now rising at a faster rate among people aged under 40. A Somerset woman has received a Master's Degree for referees and umpires. A new report has shown a big increase in people referring to the Salvation Army as victims of modern slavery. A woman from Merriot has been banned from driving for fifteen months after pleading guilty to a drink and driving charge. ..and more.

GPs in Somerset need to make their websites easier to use. That's one of the findings of a new report into patient experiences by Healthwatch Somerset. It says more help is needed with using GP websites for people booking appointments and ordering repeat prescriptions and that websites need to be made simpler to navigate.

NHS data shows cases of type-2 diabetes, generally associated with older people, are now rising at a faster rate among people aged under 40. Head of Long-Term Conditions at NHS Somerset, Rachael Rowe is urging people to check their risk levels more often.

A Somerset woman has received a Master's Degree for referees and umpires. Clare Daniels, who works for England Rugby, as part of the match official’s team, says she would like to see more women trying their hand at refereeing.

A new report has shown a big increase in people referring to the Salvation Army as victims of modern slavery. Last year, 150 people in the South West region were taken out of situations in which they were working against their will or being coerced into sex work.

A woman from Merriot has been banned from driving for 15 months after pleading guilty to a drink and driving charge. Magistrates in Yeovil were told that Sam Elliot gave a positive breathalyser result after crashing her car into a telegraph pole on Holloway Road in Lopen in September.

Entries are now open for the annual spoof art prize - the Turnip Prize. Organisers say entries should be creative and look ridiculous but take as little time and effort as possible to make. The Turnip Prize is run by The New Inn, at Wedmore, and the closing date for entries is November 19th.

More from News

Thursday 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more