Local News Monday 25th July

    A planning application has been submitted to build an enclosed artificial pitch on playing fields at Preston School in Yeovil. Patient satisfaction with GP services in Somerset has dropped to its lowest ever level, according to a new survey. A new visitor attraction opens this week at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton and A woman from Somerton is taking on a 290-mile running challenge.

    A planning application has been submitted to build an enclosed artificial pitch on playing fields at Preston School in Yeovil. An application to build the same facility was refused by planners in 2013 on the grounds that it would bring noise and anti-social behavior into the surrounding residential area. Preston School says the artificial pitch with perimeter fencing would only be used during school hours and not outside of school hours or term times. The application has been lodged with the South Somerset District Council on behalf of Preston School by Notts Sport Ltd for a decision.

    Patient satisfaction with GP services in Somerset has dropped to its lowest ever level, according to a new survey. The questionnaire conducted by NHS England showed that 76.4 percent of respondents were happy with their local GP services which were down from 85.4 percent last year and the lowest satisfaction rate since 2018. The survey further found that 29.8 percent of people with long-term health conditions do not feel they get enough support from their local GP, up from 23.9 percent in 2021. The number taking part in the survey, held between January and April this year, in the NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group area was 6,971. Meanwhile, a new trial is taking place in Somerset to try and improve support for women with menopause symptoms. GPs will be offered more training and there will be weekly and specialist clinics held for more complex patients. 

    A new visitor attraction opens this week at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton. Costing one million pounds and called the Carrier Experience state-of-the-art technology is used to bring to life the high-flying, adrenaline-fueled skills of Fleet Air Arm flyers. 

    A woman from Somerton is taking on a 290-mile running challenge. Laura Briggs is aiming to become the first person to run the Macmillan Way- from Lincolnshire to Dorset. She's doing it over the next 6 days to raise money for Macmillan cancer support who have been supporting one of her friends.
     

    More from News

    • Wednesday 17th September

      The Environment Agency is being urged to rethink its decision to stop maintaining smaller rivers and streams in Somerset. South Western Railway, which runs trains through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne, has issued body cameras to more of its staff. Twelve new neighbourhood officers have joined Avon and Somerset Police...and more

    • Tuesday 17th September

      Plans have been submitted to build 61 new homes between Montacute and Stoke-sub-Hamdon. Organisers of Langport Triathlon say it’ll be a few more days before they’re able to give out the results in the cycling section following a medical emergency in the crowd at Sunday's event. A new town crier is wanted in Wells...and more.

    •  Monday 15th September

      NHS Somerset says it’s 'fully committed' to re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital, but won't say when it will reopen. Water levels at Somerset's reservoirs have dropped below 50%, despite the recent heavy rain. A charity shop in Martock has reunited a long-lost compass with its owner after he lost it 70 years ago...and more

    • Friday 12th September

      One of Somerset's most prominent horse trainers says planned tax increases on remote betting could be a ‘nail in the coffin’ for horse racing. An Ilchester man has been arrested in connection with a burglary in West Dorset. Somerset Council’s Chief Executive and other senior officers have been given a 3.2% pay rise...and more

    • Thursday 11th September

      A bill put forward by Yeovil MP Adam Dance, calling for better awareness of pupil neurodivergent behaviour in schools, has passed its first reading in the Commons. Around 40 thousand people in Somerset could have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Dozens of bikers will take to the roads in Somerset this weekend in support of a breast cancer charity...and more

    • Wednesday 10th September

      Yeovil Town Football Club has been given a two-year extension to buy back Huish Park from Somerset Council. A takeaway business in Bridgwater has been stripped of its licence after three employees were discovered working there illegally. A company in South Chard has been celebrating its 200th anniversary...and more

    • Tuesday 9th September

      People are being asked to comment on proposals to introduce Sunday charges at Somerset Council-run car parks. A Pilton man has been jailed after cannabis valued at £28,500 was found at his home. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has started an appeal to raise £1 million...and more.

    • Monday 8th September

      Farmers in Somerset will be driving their tractors to protest at Labour’s annual Party Conference in Liverpool later this month. A Somerset animal rescue centre says it’s dealing with a surge in the number of large dog breeds being surrendered or rehomed. The George Inn in Ilminster has announced that it will be reopening to customers on Monday, September 15th...and more

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Medium-level cloud

      High: 19°C | Low: 14°C

    • Chard

      Low-level cloud

      High: 19°C | Low: 14°C

    • Crewkerne

      Low-level cloud

      High: 19°C | Low: 14°C

    • Somerton

      Medium-level cloud

      High: 21°C | Low: 14°C

    • Wincanton

      Medium-level cloud

      High: 19°C | Low: 14°C