Wednesday 24th January

Wednesday, 24 January 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A planning expert has criticised Somerset Council for wanting to shut all council-run public toilets to save money. Two people from Somerset have become the first in England to try a new weight loss treatment that can cut body weight by up to 15 percent in four months. A Yeovil apple grower has won a top prize for the quality of the apples he produces...and more

A planning expert has criticised Somerset Council for planning to shut all council-run public toilets in Somerset, to save money. Somerset Council needs to cut its spending by £100 million or risk going bankrupt and is hoping that town and parish councils will take over running public conveniences in their areas. Clara Greed, a Professor in Urban Planning, says it would be wrong to close public toilets as they are an essential public service.

Two people from Somerset have become the first in England to try a new weight loss treatment that can cut body weight by up to 15 percent in four months. The treatment involves using an expanding water-filled balloon positioned in the stomach before people undergo weight loss surgery.

There’s a warning that pharmacists in Somerset are operating at a loss and that some may be forced to close. The issue was raised in the House of Commons by the Lib Dem MP for Somerton and Frome, Sarah Dyke. In response, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the government was investing in pharmacies by giving them greater healthcare responsibilities.

A Yeovil apple grower has won a top prize for the quality of his apples. James Pullen from Perrins Hill Farm was presented with the ‘Thatcher’s Apple Growers of the Year Award’ at the company’s annual Wassail event. Pullen’s operate a seventy-five-acre orchard in Tintinhull and have supplied Thatchers with apples for thirteen years.

A workshop is being held in Chard for people to learn about the town’s listed buildings. Chard has one-hundred-and-thirty-three listed buildings, each with a fascinating history and background. The event – which is free to attend - takes place at Chard Guildhall on Thursday, February 15th, between 10 am and 3 pm.

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Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more