Thursday 8th August

Thursday, 8 August 2024 at 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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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