Friday 18th October

Friday, 18 October 2024 07:34

By Steve Haigh

According to new government figures, Sixty-four thousand children in Somerset were not seen by an NHS dentist last year. Two by-elections will be held for seats on Somerset Council at the end of November. Supported employment schemes in Somerset say they’re seeing a good proportion of their students, who are disabled, going into paid work...and more.

According to new government figures, Sixty-four thousand children in Somerset were not seen by an NHS dentist last year. John Watt an NHS dentist in Somerset says that so many children not having their teeth regularly looked at will impact on other parts of the NHS.

Two by-elections will be held for seats on Somerset Council at the end of November. It follows the resignations of Councillors, Dixie Darch and Sarah Dyke as Liberal Democrat members for Rowbarton and Staplegrove and Blackmoor Vale respectively. Until the by-elections take place, all casework will be handled by the other division members for each area, with Councillor Derek Perry handling matters in Rowbarton and Staplegrove, and Councillor Nicola Clark handling Blackmoor Vale. Following the resignations, the composition of Somerset Council is Liberal Democrats 59, Conservative 33, Green Party 5, Labour 5, and Independent 6, with 2 seats vacant.

Supported employment schemes in Somerset say they’re seeing a good proportion of their students, who are disabled, going into paid work. It follows a House of Lords report calling for more to be done to help young disabled people get back into the workplace.

Somerset Council has signed an expression of interest in working more closely with Dorset and Wiltshire councils. The government is seeking the views of all three councils on finding common ground where they can collaborate on things like planning and transport. Last month, the councils submitted a request for devolution, calling themselves the "Heart of Wessex" but stressed this would not be a merger of the councils.

Organisers of the Yeovil Literary Festival say this year’s event will be their biggest ever. A number of pre-festival presentations take place today at Yeovil Library with the festival proper starting next Thursday.

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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.