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

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more