Local News Wednesday 5th July

Wednesday, 5 July 2023 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

There's been a rise in cruelty cases involving animals in Somerset, according to the RSPCA. Car park charges in Somerset are going up by ten per cent. A new clinic is being set up in the West to help tackle the growing issue of gambling addiction. A Somerset farmer has walked the six-hundred-and-thirty-mile South West Coastal path in memory of his late wife for St Margaret's Hospice...and more

There's been a rise in cruelty cases involving animals in Somerset, according to the RSPCA. Two-hundred-and-twenty cases of cruelty were reported in the County last year, an increase of forty per cent on 2021.

Somerset Council has announced a rise of ten per cent in charges at its public car parks. The new rates will apply to both off-street and on-street parking. Season ticket prices will also increase. Somerset Council says the move will generate an additional seven-hundred-and-twenty-six thousand pounds that is necessary to continue delivering public services at their current level.

A new clinic is being set up in the West to help tackle the growing issue of gambling addiction. It comes as part of a new national strategy to help manage gambling addiction.

A Somerset farmer has finished a charity walk along the South West Coastal path. Mark Pope raised twelve thousand pounds for the MND Association and St Margaret’s Hospice by completing the six- hundred-and-thirty mile route. The walk was in memory of his late wife and to raise money to buy a so-called ‘cuddle bed’ for St Margaret's.

A football match has been organised in memory of the former Chard Town player, Alex Ives, who died aged in March, aged thirty-two. The game between Chard Town FC and Chard United FC will be played at Chard Town’s ground on Saturday, July 29th, kick-off is at 2 pm. Money raised at the game will be given to St Margaret’s Hospice, in memory of Alex.

Yeovil Town have signed experienced forward Frank Nouble and fullback Alex Whittle. 31-year-old Nouble scored three goals in nine games for Torquay last season, while Whittle joins after departing York City.

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Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

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