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.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
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