Four thousand people have signed a petition calling for Yeovil’s maternity unit to be re-opened as soon as possible. UNISON is calling on Somerset Council to clarify how it will operate services now that hundreds of staff have been made redundant. The Bishop of Bath and Wells says he’s concerned about amendments to the assisted dying bill...and more.
Four thousand people have signed a petition calling for Yeovil’s maternity unit to be re-opened as soon as possible. Maternity services at Yeovil Hospital were suddenly closed last week after an inspection report from the Care Quality Commission highlighted safety concerns within the unit. NHS Somerset Foundation Trust, which runs Yeovil Hospital, says it’s working hard to reopen the baby unit with the safety of mothers and their babies a top priority.
UNISON is calling on Somerset Council to clarify how it will operate services now that hundreds of staff have left the authority after being made redundant. The Council has cut around 850 staff positions in a bid to stave off bankruptcy and warns more jobs may have to go to balance the books.
A grant of 11-thousand pounds has been given to Ilminster’s Share and Repair Project. The cash has come from Somerset Community Foundation's Gooch Charitable Fund.
The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Right Reverand Michael Beasley, says he’s concerned that amendments to the assisted dying bill risk people having their lives ended for what he calls ‘dark motives’. The legislation, due to have its third reading in Parliament in June, would allow terminally ill adults, with less than six months to live, to end their lives with medical help. Bishop Beasley says he’s opposed to the bill and wants the government to invest more money in hospices and end-of-life care.
The Conservative group on Somerset Council has appointed a new Leader. Councillor Diogo Rodrigues takes over the role from Councillor Mandy Chilcott. Councillor Dawn Denton is the new Deputy Leader.
Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,
A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a serious assault in Wincanton. Fire crews have dealt with a house fire in the village of Pitney. Plans have been submitted to redevelop Bridgwater Docks into a cultural and tourist destination. Ilminster's annual Christmas tree festival has opened in the town...and more
New figures show that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area rose by 8% in the year to June. South Western Railway has restarted running hourly services through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne following months of disruption. Persimmon Homes South West has donated £1500 towards the running costs of Castle Cary Rugby Club...and more
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