Local News Wednesday 7th April

Wednesday, 7 April 2021 07:30

District councillors in Somerset are being asked to support holding a referendum on the planned shake-up of local government in the County. Three people arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car was in collision with a pedestrian in Yeovil have been released by police while investigations continue. A spokesperson for the Muslim community in Somerset says local Asian people remain sceptical about having the Covid vaccine....and more.

District councillors in Somerset are being asked to support holding a referendum on the planned shake-up of local government in the County. A proposal to hold a local referendum on the two options for local government reform, in which all electors across Somerset would be given the chance to vote for either Stronger Somerset, proposed by the four district councils, or One Somerset, the county council’s alternative, will be discussed at meetings of each of the four district councils on the 14th and 15th of April.

Three people arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car was in collision with a pedestrian in Yeovil have been released by police while investigations continue. Emergency services were called to St Patrick's Road in Yeovil on Sunday afternoon following a report of a collision between a car and a pedestrian. A man in his 20’s was taken to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Avon and Somerset Police say a 37-year-old man had been released on conditional bail and a 55-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman released under investigation.

A spokesperson for the Muslim community in Somerset says local Asian people remain sceptical about having the Covid vaccine. Meraz Aziz from the British Bangladeshi Association for Somerset was commenting after comedian and actor Lenny Henry called for more Black and Asian people to have the jab. Meraz says people from the Black and Asian communities need more convincing about the benefits of the vaccine.

The South Western Ambulance charity has been given £560,000 to help build an army of community First Responders. The money comes from NHS Charities Together and is aimed at easing pressure on the ambulance service. First Responders give basic life support until an ambulance arrives.

Voters are being reminded to check their polling cards ahead of next month’s local elections as some buildings normally used as polling stations will not be in use due to them being used for Covid testing and vaccination sites. Polling cards may direct people to a different location to where they would normally vote. All of Somerset is voting for a new police and crime commissioner and some places have local council by-elections.

Radio Ninesprings Local News is compiled and edited by our Station Manager Steve Haigh

Contact Steve HERE

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Wednesday 1st May

SUEZ, the company that collects Somerset’s waste is warning it may cease operations. Twenty thousand pounds is being spent cleaning red paint off the front of County Hall in Taunton following a series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations. An occupational therapist at Yeovil Hospital has won an award for her smart appearance at work...and more.
Tuesday 30th April

Somerset Council is taking legal action to remove an arms company from one of its commercial properties. Waste collection days across Somerset are set to change next month due to two impending bank holidays. An archaeological survey has begun on the proposed site of a new skate park in Bruton... and more.
Monday 29th April

Somerset’s busiest speed camera in 2023 has been revealed as the camera on the westbound carriageway of the A303 between the Podimore Roundabout and the Hazelgrove Roundabout. Bus campaigners are calling on Somerset Council to keep the public toilets open at Yeovil bus station. The funeral has taken place in Yeovil of D-Day veteran, Bill Tolley, who has died at the age of 97...and more.
Friday 26 April

A man has been arrested in Castle Cary and charged with stalking, harassment and making threats to kill. The NHS in Somerset says its staff retention rate has improved over the past two years. A farmer in South Petherton is preparing to cycle 1,000 miles to raise money for charity...and more.
Thursday 25th April

The NHS is offering spring COVID-19 vaccines to people in Somerset who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus. A new way of making roads safer for children in Somerset has started this week. A Yeovil-based apprentice has been named as a winner in the JTL Regional Awards. Haselbury Mill near Crewkerne has been put up for sale...and more
Wednesday 24th April

Yeovil Town FC have sent a strongly worded letter to the Football Association asking for plans to end FA Cup replays to be dropped. A Somerset woman who's spent the last 32 years living with Hepatitis C, says better support is needed for those affected by the contaminated blood scandal. A new school of musical theatre has opened in Chard...and more.
Tuesday 23rd April

Two teenage boys have admitted animal cruelty after filming themselves throwing a lamb down a stone staircase at Montacute. Somerset Council could lose around £5 million by selling the Marks and Spencer building in Yeovil. Chard, Wincanton, Castle Cary and Ansford are on a list of fifteen places in Somerset where new 20 mph speed limits could soon be introduced...and more.
Monday 22nd April

The parents of a two-week-old baby boy, accused of his murder at Yeovil Hospital, are to stand trial. Protesters have splashed red paint across the front of County Hall in Taunton for a second time. A comedy film about the world of competitive marrow-growing and made in Shepton Mallet has opened in cinemas across the UK...and more.