Local News Monday 12th April

Monday, 12 April 2021 07:30

From today, Covid Lateral Flow test kits are being made available to everyone in Somerset. Yeovil is one of the easiest places to pass the driving test on the first attempt. The final list of candidates has been released for next month's election to be the new Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner. More than one million people in the UK have taken part in this year's Big Garden Bird Watch...and more.

From today, Covid Lateral Flow test kits are being made available to everyone in Somerset. It's hoped this will allow for concerts, sports events, and theatres to operate safely. Schools already use the kits, as do businesses but from today all families are being encouraged to test themselves twice a week.

Yeovil is one of the easiest places to pass the driving test on the first attempt, according to a report by the website Go-Compare. It says Yeovil has the sixth-highest first-time pass rate in England and Wales based on data from 300 driving centres. Of 2,875 people sitting their test in Yeovil for the first time, 1,801 got the nod from their examiner, that’s nearly two-thirds of candidates. Go-Compare has identified ‘incorrect driver responses’ at traffic lights as the most common reason for failing the driving test

The final list of candidates has been released for next month's election to be the new Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner. There are 5 people standing: Kerry Barker for Labour, Cleo Lake for the Green Party, Heather Shearer for the Liberal Democrats, Mark Shelford for the Conservatives, and John Smith, who's standing as an Independent. The current PCC, Sue Mountstevens, had already announced she'd be standing down after eight years in the role.

Funding’s been given for an old watercourse on the Otterhead Estate on the Blackdown Hills to be used to generate electricity. The Estate has secured funding from Somerset County Council for the plans.

More than one million people in the UK have taken part in this year's Big Garden Bird Watch, the highest number ever. In Somerset, the House Sparrow came out top for being the most popular bird spotted in the county.

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Thursday 17th July

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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

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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

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