Local News Wednesday 7th April

Wednesday, 7 April 2021 07:30

District councillors in Somerset are being asked to support holding a referendum on the planned shake-up of local government in the County. Three people arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car was in collision with a pedestrian in Yeovil have been released by police while investigations continue. A spokesperson for the Muslim community in Somerset says local Asian people remain sceptical about having the Covid vaccine....and more.

District councillors in Somerset are being asked to support holding a referendum on the planned shake-up of local government in the County. A proposal to hold a local referendum on the two options for local government reform, in which all electors across Somerset would be given the chance to vote for either Stronger Somerset, proposed by the four district councils, or One Somerset, the county council’s alternative, will be discussed at meetings of each of the four district councils on the 14th and 15th of April.

Three people arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car was in collision with a pedestrian in Yeovil have been released by police while investigations continue. Emergency services were called to St Patrick's Road in Yeovil on Sunday afternoon following a report of a collision between a car and a pedestrian. A man in his 20’s was taken to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Avon and Somerset Police say a 37-year-old man had been released on conditional bail and a 55-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman released under investigation.

A spokesperson for the Muslim community in Somerset says local Asian people remain sceptical about having the Covid vaccine. Meraz Aziz from the British Bangladeshi Association for Somerset was commenting after comedian and actor Lenny Henry called for more Black and Asian people to have the jab. Meraz says people from the Black and Asian communities need more convincing about the benefits of the vaccine.

The South Western Ambulance charity has been given £560,000 to help build an army of community First Responders. The money comes from NHS Charities Together and is aimed at easing pressure on the ambulance service. First Responders give basic life support until an ambulance arrives.

Voters are being reminded to check their polling cards ahead of next month’s local elections as some buildings normally used as polling stations will not be in use due to them being used for Covid testing and vaccination sites. Polling cards may direct people to a different location to where they would normally vote. All of Somerset is voting for a new police and crime commissioner and some places have local council by-elections.

Radio Ninesprings Local News is compiled and edited by our Station Manager Steve Haigh

Contact Steve HERE

More from News

Thursday 13th August

An Ilminster family is celebrating after winning one million pounds on the National Lottery. Police have released a picture of a man they want to speak to in connection with suspected frauds in Somerset. Somerset Council has opened a tendering process to find a main contractor for the £15 million upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon theatre... and more
Wednesday 12th August

Experts say with good visibility forecast for this evening, people across Somerset should have some of the best views of the solar eclipse anywhere in the UK. A Somerset councillor is calling for the Stop Line cycle route between Chard and Ilminster to be better supported. It's 40-years ago this week since a Lynx helicopter built in Yeovil set a new World Helicopter Speed Record... and more
Tuesday 11th August

Wessex Water says a hosepipe ban is possible if customers fail to cut their water usage. A record number of illegal dog fights were reported in Somerset last year. Yeovil Town's Mason Obeng has won the traditional sack of potatoes, given to the player who scores Yeovil's first goal of the new season, as a lucky omen... and more
Monday 10th August

A local councillor claims anti-social behaviour is putting people off coming into Yeovil town centre. South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban in the Chard area. Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stuck at one of its stations... and more
Friday 7th August

Chard's biggest employer, Numatic International, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has announced job cuts. A new Neighbourhood Plan for Hatch Beauchamp has officially been adopted. Two historic artefacts taken from Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years ago have been returned...and more
Thursday 6th August

A local man and convicted former neo-Nazi, selected by the Conservatives to stand in Crewkerne South in next year’s local elections for a seat on Somerset Council, has pulled out after a backlash against his candidacy. A charity that runs children's homes in Somerset is terminating its contract early following a critical report by Ofsted...and more
Wednesday 5th August

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner is backing the wider use of police drones in towns like Yeovil to help tackle crime. Visitor numbers at Somerset's tourist attractions are down by around sixty per cent so far this year. A gardening expert says it'll take much more than the occasional shower to revive Somerset's parched lawns, parks and open spaces...and more
Tuesday 4th August

A Somerset doctor is calling for better community eye care. People in Glastonbury and Street are benefiting from a new bus service to Castle Cary railway station. A sailor from South Petherton is celebrating after sailing around the world... and more