Wednesday 24th January

Wednesday, 24 January 2024 at 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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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