Tuesday 26th September

Tuesday, 26 September 2023 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Somerset woman, who has Multiple Sclerosis, is calling on the government to overhaul the assessment process for claiming disability benefits. Somerset Council has been fined £1,000 after a stroke patient was left without care for long periods. A Consultant Urologist in Somerset says men need to be made more aware of the early signs of prostate cancer...and more.

A Somerset woman, who has Multiple Sclerosis, is calling on the government to overhaul the assessment process for claiming disability benefits. Ten years after the government brought in Personal Independence Payments or 'PIP' as it is better known. A survey conducted by the MS Society shows that nearly two-thirds of people think going through the PIP process has a negative or very negative impact on them.

Somerset Council has been fined £1,000 after a stroke patient was left without care for long periods. The patient went without care on various dates between May and December 2021 after his provider missed visits and subsequently withdrew their support. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman have ordered Somerset Council to apologise and compensate the man for the distress caused.

A Consultant Urologist in Somerset says men need to be more aware of the early signs of prostate cancer. Over 52,000 males are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK every year. Doctor Jon McFarlane says men who show early signs need to get checked quickly.

Highways officials say repairs to a road connecting Somerset with Devon will be completed before Christmas. Since July 2021, motorists traveling on the A30 between Chard and Yarcombe have been delayed by temporary lights at Crawley Farm. The lights were installed following damage to an embankment caused by a landslip. Work to repair the embankment begins on October 14th with the road reopening at the end of November.

A Chard author has had his first novel published. Garry Sweetland’s book ‘Narcissus’ tells the story of deadly happenings in the world of art. Garry is launching his new book with a party in Chard on Friday, October 6th when an auction will be held to raise money for the Alzheimers Society.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
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