Thursday 21st November

Thursday, 21 November 2024 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Bus campaigners are warning that government funding to improve Somerset’s bus network could be lost if Somerset Council goes bankrupt. GPs in Somerset are calling on the government to protect them from planned National Insurance tax rises for employers. Luxury handbag maker, Mulberry, is cutting dozens of jobs, including here in our locality...and more

Bus campaigners are warning that government funding of nearly seven million pounds to improve Somerset’s bus network could be lost if Somerset Council goes bankrupt. The authority is currently managing a financial crisis, making hundreds of staff redundant and cutting services. Peter Travis the co-chair of Somerset Bus Partnership, a voluntary group which supports the county's bus network welcomes the government's funding support but is concerned about Somerset Council’s financial position.

GPs in Somerset are calling on the government to protect them from planned National Insurance tax rises for employers, warning it could hit patient services. The Wessex Local Medical Committees, which represents GP practices in Somerset, has described the NI tax increases as being a "hammer blow".

Luxury handbag maker, Mulberry, is cutting dozens of jobs, including here in Somerset. It follows a 20 percent drop in sales in the first half of the year and plans for a major restructure of the business. The move comes a month after Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group ditched plans to takeover Mulberry.

The A303 westbound between the Cartgate roundabout and Prophets Lane will be shut from 7 pm until 6 am tomorrow for white-lining. Diversions will be in operation via the A3088, A30 and A356.

A one-day advice session is being held in Yeovil for anyone who has experienced, is currently experiencing, or may have concerns about domestic abuse. Organised by Somerset Council’s domestic abuse service, to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, it’s being held at Abbey Manor Business Centre on Preston Road, next Monday, November 25th.

More from News

Friday 30th October

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