Local News Friday 16th July

    Somerset County Council is warning of a staffing crisis in adult social care. Five cases of coronavirus have been reported at Wadham School in Crewkerne. Somerset libraries say there's been a big increase in people using e-books and audio books during the pandemic. A flying display of historic helicopters will be held in Chard next month. Radio Ninesprings has consolidated its fm coverage of South Somerset.

    Somerset County Council is warning of a staffing crisis in adult social care. It claims it can’t be recruited new employees because the sector pays less than the NHS for doing much the same work. 

    Five cases of coronavirus have been reported at Wadham School in Crewkerne. In a letter to parents the school says the outbreak is confined to Year-10. Students in Year-10 have been told not to attend school unless a PCR test shows they are negative. Latest data shows South Somerset has a coronavirus rate of 166.3 cases per 100,000 people, compared to the England average of 341.5.

    Somerset libraries say there's been a big increase in people using e-books and audio books during the pandemic. Between December 2019 and December 2020 e-book usage increased by 50% and audio book usage by 84%. 

    A flying display of historic helicopters will be held in Chard next month. Andrew Whitehouse, who owns five historic helicopters, including the world’s only airworthy Westland Whirlwind, is behind the event. The open day and display will take place at Whitehouse Farm, in Chard, on Thursday, August 5th.

    Radio Ninesprings has consolidated its coverage of South Somerset with the switch on two new FM transmitters, one in Chard, the other in Wincanton. In Chard, Radio Ninesprings can now be heard on 107.6 fm and in Wincanton on 103.3 fm.

    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.

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Light rain

      High: 21°C | Low: 15°C

    • Chard

      Sunny intervals

      High: 20°C | Low: 14°C

    • Crewkerne

      Sunny intervals

      High: 20°C | Low: 14°C

    • Somerton

      Light rain

      High: 21°C | Low: 15°C

    • Wincanton

      Light rain

      High: 21°C | Low: 15°C

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