Tuesday 5th March

Tuesday, 5 March 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Union representing staff at Sunnymeade Care Home in Chard says everyone will be left in a difficult situation if the home closes. 'Buses of Somerset' says some services will run at different times from next month. Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh has officially opened Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s new shop in Crewkerne...and more.

The Union representing staff at Sunnymeade Care Home in Chard that’s at risk of closing, says everyone – staff and residents – will be left in a difficult situation if the closure goes ahead. Somerset Care plans to shut Sunnymeade, together with Critchill Court care home in Frome in April. They say the homes are no longer viable. A consultation on the proposals is now open for comments.

Buses of Somerset says some services will run at different times from next month. The Number 51 Yeovil Town service is included in the timetable changes that take effect from Sunday, April 14th. Full details of the new running times can be viewed on the Buses of Somerset website.

A faith room and a breastfeeding facility are planned as part of an upgrade of Chard police station. The improvements costing £900,000 are to bring the building up to a higher standard for the public and staff. Works are expected to start later this year, subject to planning permission being given.

Not a single stretch of river in the West of England is in ‘good’ overall health, according to a new report. The Rivers Trust found the region’s waterways are being poisoned by a cocktail of pollution from agriculture, the water industry and road runoff.
According to the report, 100 per cent of river stretches in the West failed to meet ‘good’ overall status.

A former Royal Marine from Somerset has won the title of UK Bench Press Champion. Ram Patten only took up the bench press competitively a year ago and having won the UK title now has set his sights on the world championships.

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh has cut a ribbon to officially open Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s new store in Crewkerne. The new shop in Falkland Square is the charity’s seventh outlet in Somerset and Devon.

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more