Thursday 19th December

Thursday, 19 December 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Somerset pensioner has criticised the government for refusing to compensate women who claim they were not given adequate warning about changes to the start date for receiving the state pension. Parents are being asked to check their children have been vaccinated against measles following a rise in cases. The use of energy-saving light bulbs is greater in the South West than in any other region in England.

A Somerset pensioner has criticised the government after it said there won't be any compensation for women born in the 1950s who say they didn't get an adequate warning about changes to the age they could claim the state pension. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman had recommended the women be given a payout but Sir Keir Starmer says any compensation would impose an unfair burden on taxpayers.

A food bank in Chard has blamed the cost of living and inflation for a drop in donations to the food bank. To meet demand, the Lord's Larder in Chard has been forced into using its cash reserves to buy food to give to those in the greatest need.

Several roads on the Somerset Levels, closed by recent flooding, have been re-opened to traffic. Somerset Council says the emergency closure gates, put in place to block access to the A361 New Road, Langport Road, and Cutts Road, on the Somerset Levels have been removed.

Parents are being asked to check that their children have been vaccinated against measles following figures showing a rise in cases in the South West, including here in Somerset. The NHS says forty-six confirmed measles cases were recorded in the South West during 2024. This is the highest number since 2012. Symptoms of measles to look for in children are a fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, or a rash starting on the face and spreading. Parents are advised that the best way to protect children is for them to be given the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine, known as the MMR vaccine.

The use of energy-saving light bulbs is greater in the South West than in any other region in England. New research shows that three-quarters of people in the region use energy-saving light bulbs, with half of those questioned also using smart meters to track their energy usage.

The Hub in Yeovil has been presented with a cheque for £4,000 by Somerset Freemason. The Hub, on the Pen Mill trading estate, says the money will be used to provide new experiences and activities to the 70 adults with autism and learning disabilities in its care.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more