Local News Wednesday 7th December

Wednesday, 7 December 2022 at 06:00

Yeovil Hospital is spearheading an initiative to stop anesthetic gases from polluting the atmosphere. Somerset Community Foundation has raised half-a-million pounds to help charities support individuals and communities affected by the cost-of-living crisis. There’s been a big rise in the number of older people living alone in Somerset. People with mental health issues are helping with a project in Merriot to restore an old boat...and more.

Yeovil Hospital is spearheading an initiative to stop anesthetic gases from polluting the atmosphere. Pipes that pump the gases around the hospital have been turned-off and newer, safer, greener alternative gas types are being used.

Somerset Community Foundation has raised half-a-million pounds to help charities support individuals and communities affected by the cost-of-living crisis. SCF has raised the money in just four months and is giving out amounts of between £1,000 and £10,000 to help people and communities in the greatest need.

There’s been a big rise in the number of older people living alone in Somerset. Data from the 2021 Census shows 38,800 people aged 66 and over are living alone in the County, compared to 33,500 in 2011. Somerset West and Taunton has the highest proportion of elderly people living alone, with 11,499 elderly single-person households recorded.

People with mental health issues are helping with a project in Merriot to restore an old boat. They're taking part in a 12-week course at Ark at Egwood near Merriot to turn the boat into a space for therapy and relaxation.

A top award has been given to the Visitor Information Centre at Cartgate services area on the A303 just outside Yeovil. At the Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards, the Cartgate information centre was presented with the ‘Visitor Information Service of the Year Award’. In the Restaurant of the Year category, the Clockspire in Milborne Port won Silver, and in the Pub and Casual Dining section, the Queen’s Arms at Corton Denham won Bronze.

A road in West Crewkerne is partially closed for re-surfacing today. The work in Hewish Lane is due to be completed by 5 pm.

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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

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more