Thursday 2nd May

Thursday, 2 May 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Voting is taking place today to elect a new Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset. NHS Somerset says the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital will stay open until a new replacement unit is built in Dorchester. A supermarket worker has retired after spending 52 years working at the same store in Ilminster...and more.

Voting is taking place today to elect a new Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset. Polling stations opened at 7 am and will close at 10 pm.
The candidates standing are:

Benet Allen, Liberal Democrats
Katy Grant, Green Party
Clare Moody, Labour and Co-operative Party
Mark Shelford, Conservative Candidate – More Police, Safer Streets

The Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for producing a police and crime plan, deciding how the police budget will be spent, and holding the Chief Constable and Avon and Somerset force to account on the public’s behalf.

NHS Somerset says the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital will stay open until a new replacement unit is built in Dorchester. It follows concerns raised by the West Dorset MP Chris Loder that the new Dorchester unit will not be ready before the planned closure of the Yeovil unit. NHS Somerset says none of Yeovil's existing stroke services will close until the new Dorchester unit is ready to take patients, adding that it will take around 18 months to implement the proposals. Meanwhile, Lib-Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for Yeovil, Adam Dance, has called on the Health Secretary, to intervene in the decision to close Yeovil’s hyper-acute stroke unit.

A playgroup in Yeovil has been declared 'good' by Ofsted. East Coker Playgroup was rated 'good' in all five aspects that Ofsted uses to measure a school's success. Currently, East Coker Playgroup cares for twenty-four children, aged between two and four.

A supermarket worker has retired after spending 52 years working at the same store in Ilminster. Julie Hutchings clocked up 52 years, nine months, and three days working at the Co-op in Ilminster after starting out there at the age of fifteen.

Somerset County Cricket Club have confirmed they've appointed the England Women's CaptainHeather Knight to join the club's board as an advisor

More than eighty thousand pounds has been granted to the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury. The community society which looks after the building say the money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will go towards its Industry and community projects.

More from News

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