Friday 24th November

Friday, 24 November 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Police operation has resulted in 160 knives being taken off the streets in the Avon and Somerset force area. Ofsted says pupil suspension rates in Somerset are alarmingly high. It’s a big night for Christmas light switch-on events in South Somerset with Christmas lights being turned on in Wincanton, Ilminster and Crewkerne...and more.

A Police operation has resulted in 160 knives being taken off the streets in the Avon and Somerset force area. Officers carried out a range of engagement activities to encourage people not to carry knives or get involved in serious violence as part of Operation Sceptre.

Ofsted says pupil suspension rates in Somerset are alarmingly high. In their annual report, Ofsted says the national average for pupil suspensions is 7 per cent, while in Somerset it's above ten per cent. The rate of pupils missing school, or absenteeism, in Somerset is again above the national average by around two per cent.

The Manager of Yeovil’s Quedam Shopping Centre says longer-term guarantees are needed on business rates to help struggling retailers. Commenting on Wednesday’s Government Autumn Statement, James Tovey says an extension of 12 months in the 75 per cent discount on business rates was to be welcomed but didn’t give smaller businesses the ability to plan ahead.

Two lead members of Somerset Council have announced they will be stepping down from their executive roles at the end of the year. Tessa Munt and Mike Rigby will resign from their positions on the Executive but will continue as local councillors.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust – which includes Yeovil Hospital - has issued an apology following yesterday’s news that up to two hundred people have had their hospital records inappropriately accessed by a member of staff. The Trust says the individual concerned, who no longer works for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, accessed the records of people who were known to them over a period of six years. Avon and Somerset Police are currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances.

It’s a big night for Christmas light switch-ons in South Somerset. Christmas lights are being turned on in Wincanton, Ilminster and Crewkerne tonight. Tomorrow, it’s the turn of Chard to switch on their Christmas decorations.

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Tuesday 21st January

A Yeovil man, who drove while on drugs, injuring two children, has been given a one-year suspended prison sentence. Somerset cider maker, Thatchers, has won a trademark battle against Aldi. Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre is looking for more land for its animals...and more.
Monday 20th January

Somerset Council says a government review of adult social care could cause the Council to go bankrupt. A pilot scheme in Somerset aimed at cutting hospital admissions to A&E by the most vulnerable patients has shown a 50 per cent reduction in visits. Somerset celebrity chef Josh Eggleton is converting a double-decker bus to help promote healthier eating in schools...and more.
Friday 17th January

Bruton Primary School is the latest to have a barrier installed outside the school to stop parents parking when dropping off and picking up children. A man has appeared in court charged with being drunk and disorderly at Yeovil Hospital. A veteran of World War Two in Castle Cary has been awarded France’s highest military and civil distinction...and more
Thursday 16th January

A Chard woman has appeared in court after driving her car towards a crowd of people who, she claimed, were causing a disturbance. Crewkerne residents will soon be provided with a new banking hub. Work has started removing 14 trees along the embankment of Chard Reservoir...and more
Wednesday 15th January

A Yeovil man has been arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child. A Community Fridge in Shepton Mallet says it saved ten tonnes of unwanted food from going to landfill in the run-up to Christmas. Somerset Council has started collecting empty toothpaste tubes for recycling at the kerbside for the first time...and more
Tuesday 14th January

Police are appealing for witnesses after two people died in a car crash near Shepton Mallet. A new passing loop could be introduced on the rail line between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill stations. St Margaret’s Hospice has thanked the public for making this year’s Christmas Tree Recycling project their most successful ever...and more
Monday 13th January

Plans to build forty-six new homes in Castle Cary have been rejected for a third time. Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has no plans to step down from his dual role as a member of Somerset Council. Rug Ratz in Yeovil is closing permanently today, leaving the town without a children's soft play space...and more.
Friday 10th January

Yeovil Hospital has declared a critical incident due to a sharp rise in flu admissions putting pressure on bed spaces. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, joined campaigners and colleagues in Downing Street this week to hand in a petition calling for action to tackle the shortage of NHS dentists. Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been replaced as England's Red Roses captain for 2025 season... and more