Local News Friday 1st July

Friday, 1 July 2022 06:00

There’s been a warning that more cuts in bus services could be on the way in Somerset. An inquest into a military diving accident that caused the death of a soldier from Yeovil has found there were significant points of failure. Research suggests there could be ten times as many ancient trees in England, including in Somerset than are currently known about and a nurse from Somerset has been talking about the moment she fainted with hypothermia during Paul McCartney's gig at Glastonbury Festival.

There’s been a warning that more cuts in bus services could be on the way in Somerset. Government funding support for public bus travel is due to end in October with no signs yet of the subsidies being renewed. Bus operators say if they are not renewed at their current level and ideally at a higher level then services would have to be cut.

An inquest into a military diving accident that caused the death of a soldier from Yeovil has found there were significant points of failure. 27-year-old Lance Corporal George Partridge was taking part in a training course at the National Diving Centre in 2018. But when he was brought to the surface, his facemask was hanging off and his two air tanks were found to be empty. The inquest was told his "sudden death" was due to a lack of air. The National Diving Centre, which opened in 2003, closed unexpectedly earlier this year.

Research suggests there could be ten times as many ancient trees in England, including in Somerset than are currently known about. Scientists at Nottingham University say that could mean there are two million such trees unrecorded. Campaigners are calling for them to be better protected.

A nurse from Somerset has been talking about the moment she fainted with hypothermia during Paul McCartney's gig at Glastonbury Festival. Lisa Morris passed out after waiting seven hours to see her idol perform on the Pyramid stage last Saturday. She was spotted by Paul McCartney, who then halted his show so she could receive medical attention. She says she couldn't believe such a moment of drama could have happened to her.

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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.