Tuesday 25th February

Tuesday, 25 February 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A new report says Avon and Somerset Police is struggling to cope with a big increase in cases involving the abuse of sexual images of children. Three primary schools in our area have been chosen to take part in a pilot of the Government’s free breakfast clubs for pupils scheme. A new TV documentary has captured footage of 50,000 starlings in a group gathering over the Somerset Levels...and more

A new report says Avon and Somerset Police is struggling to cope with a big increase in cases involving the abuse of sexual images of children. It blames a staff shortage, and calls for more investment in resources to tackle what it calls ‘this growing area of crime’. Avon and Somerset Police says it’s dealing with 70 cases a month involving the abuse of sexual images of children and expects the number to double in the next twelve months.

Three primary schools in our area have been chosen to take part in a pilot of the government’s free breakfast clubs for pupils scheme. They are St Mary’s and St Peter’s Church School in Ilton near Ilminster, Shepton Beauchamp Church School in Shepton Beauchamp, and Castle Cary Community Primary School in Castle Cary. The pilot, which is due to start in April, will see each school offering a free breakfast to all pupils, together with 30 minutes of childcare before the start of the school day.

Patients in Somerset with a condition that causes blurred vision can now access a new procedure in the county. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is the only one in the South West to offer the treatment for Keratoconus which causes the cornea to thin. The condition usually develops during teenage years and gets worse over time.

A new TV documentary has captured footage of one of the biggest group gatherings of starlings over the Somerset Levels. Presenter Mike Dilger says up to 50,000 birds were involved in the murmuration as they snacked on worms and beetles.

Women in the South West are being urged to book breast screening appointments. NHS Somerset says 27% of eligible women in Somerset are not up-to-date with being examined. Women aged between 50 and 71 are eligible for a free breast screening, every three years.

An Ilminster man has been recognised for his voluntary efforts at Ilminster Bowling Club Matthew Hamilton, whose role is to grow membership numbers at the club, has been presented with a Bowls England Unsung Hero Award. Matt also volunteers as Development Manager for the Somerset Bowling Association, helping other bowls clubs to grow their membership.

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The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,