Local News Wednesday 12th April

Wednesday, 12 April 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Businesses in Yeovil say they're worried for their futures as road works lasting thirty-six weeks start in the town centre. Staff at Yeovil Hospital are objecting to paying more to park at work. A new High Sheriff for Somerset has been appointed. The Bishop of Bath and Wells is to play a key role in the coronation of King Charles...and more.

Businesses in Yeovil say they're worried for their futures as road works lasting thirty-six weeks have started in the town centre this week. The High Street, Hendford and the Borough will stay shut until December for new pavement slabs to be laid as part of the Yeovil Refresh Project. Leader of Yeovil Town Council, Councillor Graham Oakes says people are fed up with the constant closing of roads in the town.

Staff at Yeovil Hospital are objecting to paying more to park at work. Currently, staff who park on-site pay 42.43 a month but from May 1st they will be charged £48.12. A nurse, who chose not to give her name, says at a time when healthcare workers are striking for better pay the higher charges are demoralising. Yeovil Hospital says because the cost to them of providing on-site parking has increased, the prices they charge must also rise to pay for it.

A new High Sheriff for Somerset has been appointed. He’s Robert Drewe who is a practising solicitor. The role of High Sheriff, a position that dates back more than a thousand years, is non-political with the incumbent acting as the King’s representative in Somerset in all things related to the legal system.

Health officials are asking the public to think carefully before using the A and E department at Yeovil Hospital as the strike by Junior Doctors bites harder. Junior Doctors belonging to the British Medical Association are demanding a thirty-five per cent pay rise and have stopped work until Saturday.

The Bishop of Bath and Wells is to play a key role in the coronation of King Charles at Westminster Abbey on May 6th. The Right Reverend Michael Beasley says he’s deeply honoured to be supporting His Majesty and the Queen Consort at the service which he says will be a truly historic moment.

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