Friday 13th December

Friday, 13 December 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset-based social housing provider, Stonewater, is urging caution over plans by the government to relax the planning rules. The Samaritans in Yeovil are gearing up for their busiest time of the year. The curtain goes up today on this year’s Yeovil panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Westlands Entertainment venue...and more.

Somerset-based social housing provider Stonewater is urging caution over plans to relax the planning rules. The government has set a target to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years by making it easier and quicker for developers to get applications approved. Jonathan Layzells from Stonewater says safeguards will be needed if the process is simplified.

NHS Somerset is urging those eligible to get a flu jab. It follows a warning that a "tidal wave of flu" is hitting hospitals. The latest figures show that the number of beds taken up by flu patients increased by 70 per cent last week.

A Chard business unit destroyed by fire in February is to be rebuilt. The unit on Leach Road within the Chard Business Park will be replaced with one of identical size and external appearance. Somerset Council’s Planning South Committee approved the rebuild under delegated powers.

The Samaritans in Yeovil are gearing up for their busiest time of the year. Nationally, more than one million phone calls are received by the Samaritans every year with a third of calls made over the festive and New Year period.

A new programme has been launched to help vulnerable young people in Yeovil, Chard and Stoke-sub-Hamdon. The Youth Adventure Trust's Resilience Programme will run for a year and use outdoor activities and one-to-one support to help young people gain life skills.

The curtain goes up today on this year’s Yeovil pantomime at the Westlands Entertainment venue. Jack and the Beanstalk, staring Lizzie Bea and Daniel Page, is on until January 5th.

Radio Ninesprings has joined with Somerset-based charity ‘Help for Homeless’ to provide comfort to those who will spend Christmas sleeping rough. The charity is asking for donations of warm clothing, toiletries and treats to give to men and women who face Christmas sleeping in the cold.

More from News

Friday 18th July

EDF has completed another milestone in constructing the new 'Hinkley C' nuclear power plant near Bridgwater. The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire opens today with helicopters built in Yeovil on display. A road leading to Chard reservoir, shut two months ago for strengthening work to a dam wall, has re-opened...and more
Thursday 17th July

Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has serious concerns about plans that could see the closure of inpatient beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital. Ilminster residents are being asked to vote in a referendum on adopting a new neighbourhood plan for the town. An event in which people take part in a race against horses is returning to Somerset later this year...and more
Wednesday 16th July

A children’s play area in Ilminster has been closed on safety grounds after badger setts were found on the land. Somerset Council sold off £90m of property assets last year to help fight off bankruptcy. Crewkerne Community Hospital could be turned into a neighbourhood health centre...and more.
Tuesday 15th July

The fire service has blamed a discarded portable barbecue for starting a blaze at Ham Hill Country Park. A care home for people with autism and complex needs in Crewkerne has been rated 'good'. A seven-year-old Yeovil boy has set a new world record for completing the most number of consecutive sit-ups for his age group...and more
Monday 14th July

Somerset Council is warning motorists against scanning QR codes at its car parks payment meters. Chard Town Council is spending £10,000 on short-term youth provision over the summer months. Former Yeovil Town player Marcus Stewart says he wants to continue raising money towards finding a cure for motor neurone disease...and more.
Friday 10th July

A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.
Thursday 10th July

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Wednesday 9th July

Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.