Monday 20th January

Monday, 20 January 2025 at 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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Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
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