Thursday 8th August

Thursday, 8 August 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Political leaders in Somerset have spoken out against the unrest and disorder seen elsewhere in the country. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is demanding a review of the decision to close the Hyper-acute Stroke Unit at Yeovil Hospital. A fire in Stoford is being treated as arson...and more.

Political leaders in Somerset have spoken out against the unrest and disorder seen elsewhere in the country. In a statement, they say Somerset prides itself on inclusivity, respect, and a shared sense of community, where every individual is valued and respected, regardless of background or ethnicity. They call on all residents not to be swayed by the actions of those who seek to spread division.

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is demanding a review of the decision to close the Hyper-acute Stroke Unit at Yeovil Hospital. The unit is due to shut in about two years with acute stroke patients taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton and Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester. NHS Somerset’s Integrated Care Board voted to close Yeovil’s acute stroke unit, despite a high-profile public campaign to keep it open.

The go-ahead has been given to build seventy new homes in Merriott. The properties will be built on the Scotts Nurseries site on Higher Street, a short distance from the A356 that links Merriott to Crewkerne and the A303. Twenty-four of the homes will be affordable. The development will provide £896,000 towards new classrooms at Merriott School and Wadham School, along with £29,000 to improve the West One Surgery and Crewkerne Health Centre.

A fire in Stoford is being treated as arson. It happened at a property near Newton Road with appliances from Yeovil and Somerton in attendance. 220 bales of hay were destroyed, together with gardening and scaffolding equipment.

Green Flags have been given to Ham Hill near Yeovil and Ninesprings Country Park in Yeovil. Green Flag accreditation recognises the work done by rangers, volunteers and friends groups in caring for the sites.

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