Wednesday 15th November

Wednesday, 15 November 2023 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Wincanton man has been jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of rape and other offences. A family from Somerset is asking the government for better access to medicinal cannabis through the NHS. A new clothes shop has opened in Ilminster as part of a project to help young people with autism find employment...and more.

A Wincanton man has been jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of rape and other offences. Bournemouth Crown Court was told that Gary Bridger of Dancing Lane in Wincanton attacked a nurse at his mother’s home in Sherborne. She’d gone to the property to check that it was safe for his mother to return home from hospital. While inside the house, Bridger, grabbed the woman and forced her into a bedroom where he carried out the assault. The court was told that Bridger must serve a minimum of two-thirds of his 12-year sentence before being considered for release.

A family from Somerset is asking the government for better access to medicinal cannabis through the NHS. Parents, Emily and Spencer, pay thousands of pounds each year for private cannabis prescriptions for their 4-year-old daughter Clover, who suffers from epileptic seizures. The government says it needs more evidence before deciding whether it’s safe to prescribe medicinal cannabis on the NHS.

A trial using artificial intelligence is underway at four GP practices in Somerset. NHS Somerset says it’s using A1 to monitor ‘at risk’ patients so they can be supported at home to avoid being admitted to hospital.

A Chard pub has been recognised for the quality of its toilets. The Cerdic in Fore Street has been awarded a platinum rating in the Loo of the Year Awards. The awards are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of 'away from home' toilets across the UK.

A new clothes shop has opened in Ilminster as part of a project to help young people with autism find employment.‘Punky Dory’ in Silver Street sells vintage clothes and jewellery. It’s run by Silver Lining Internships, an employment placement organisation that supports young people with autism and special educational needs.

Chard boxer Paul Roberts has secured his second Southern Area Super Flyweight title. Roberts took the title defeating Martin Hillman of London with a seventh-round stoppage at York Hall in Bethnal Green. If you would like to meet Paul, he will be presenting trophies at the Chard and Crewkerne Amateur Boxing Show, at Holyrood School, in Chard, this coming Saturday.

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