Monday 20th January

Monday, 20 January 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council says a government review of adult social care could cause the Council to go bankrupt. A pilot scheme in Somerset aimed at cutting hospital admissions to A&E by the most vulnerable patients has shown a 50 per cent reduction in visits. Somerset celebrity chef Josh Eggleton is converting a double-decker bus to help promote healthier eating in schools...and more.

The lead member for Adult Services at Somerset Council, Councillor Sarah Wakefield, says the government’s planned reforms of adult social care will take too long to complete and could cause Somerset Council to go bankrupt. The government has promised a further review of the sector that will take three years to report. Councillor Wakefield says with 80 per cent of Somerset Council's annual spending going on adult social care, they need more funding now.

Avon and Somerset Police has added more items, including a picture, jewellery, coins, and collectables, to an online gallery of stolen property and is urging the rightful owners to claim them back. The items, stolen in burglaries at properties across Somerset and on the Blackdown Hills, can be viewed on the Avon and Somerset website.

A pilot scheme aimed at reducing local hospital admissions to A&E by the most vulnerable patients has shown a 50 per cent reduction in visits. The NHS High-Intensity Use Service was set up in August 2023 and works by providing the most vulnerable patients with more home support.

Plans have been submitted to change the former White Post Inn at Rimpton into a house. The change of use application comes after the White Post closed as a restaurant last year, and the owners failed to find a buyer to take it on.

A Somerset woman who works with young people with special educational needs has been named as one of the UK’s most impressive female entrepreneurs. Jenn Hodge, who runs Rama Life at Frogmary Green Farm in South Petherton was singled out for recognition by Small Business Britain for supporting families and young people unable to attend a mainstream school due to high anxiety.

Somerset celebrity chef, Josh Eggleton, is converting a double-decker bus to help promote healthier eating. Josh says once converted, the bus will tour schools and local events to promote a better understanding of food and where it comes from.

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The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

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
Tuesday 9th December

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.
Monday 8th December

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
Friday 5th December

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.
Thursday 4th December

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
Wednesday 3rd December

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,