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.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more