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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Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more