Local News Wednesday 5th July

Wednesday, 5 July 2023 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.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
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