Local News Thursday 13th May

Thursday, 13 May 2021 06:00

David Fothergill leader of Somerset County Council

The Leader of Somerset County Council says he was disappointed but not surprised about how little was said in the Queen's Speech about planned changes to the social care system. Government plans to make the microchipping of cats compulsory have been welcomed by an animal charity in Somerset. A nurse from Yeovil has been speaking about singing alongside Rag 'n' Bone Man and Pink at the Brit awards...and more.

The Leader of Somerset County Council David Fothergill says he was disappointed but not surprised about how little was said in the Queen's Speech about planned changes to the social care system. The government used the speech to say proposals on social care reform would be "brought forward". Labour and other opposition parties - as well as some social care providers – have criticised ministers for not going further. County Council Leader, David Fothergill believes the government is still committed to reforming the care system.

Government plans to make the microchipping of cats compulsory have been welcomed by an animal charity in Somerset. Ministers pledged to ensure the "highest standards of animal welfare" in the Queen's Speech and a bill ensuring all cats are chipped was one measure included in the government's programme. Nikita Benney of Cat's Protection in Somerset says micro-chipping will help to cut down the number of pets that go missing.

A nurse from Yeovil has been speaking about singing alongside Rag 'n' Bone Man and Pink at the Brit awards. Natasha Ficarotta, who works at Yeovil District Hospital sang as part of the NHS choir on the song 'Anywhere Away From Here'. Natasha said weeks of rehearsals on Zoom went into making sure everyone gave their best at the live performance.

A South Somerset woman has created a set of toys to help children with complex needs to cope with the loss of a loved one. The wooden toys, which include figures of people, furniture and vehicles have been designed by Sarah Helton and are used by children who are unable to verbally communicate their feelings when a family member or friend dies.

More artistes have been added to the line-up of ‘Live at Worthy’. The event which has replaced this year’s cancelled Glastonbury Festival takes place online on Saturday, May 22nd. The new artistes set to perform include George Ezra and Yeovil’s PJ Harvey. Coldplay, Damon Albarn and Wolf Alice have already said they will be appearing.

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