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.

More from News

Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more