Monday 20th January

Monday, 20 January 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council says a government review of adult social care could cause the Council to go bankrupt. A pilot scheme in Somerset aimed at cutting hospital admissions to A&E by the most vulnerable patients has shown a 50 per cent reduction in visits. Somerset celebrity chef Josh Eggleton is converting a double-decker bus to help promote healthier eating in schools...and more.

The lead member for Adult Services at Somerset Council, Councillor Sarah Wakefield, says the government’s planned reforms of adult social care will take too long to complete and could cause Somerset Council to go bankrupt. The government has promised a further review of the sector that will take three years to report. Councillor Wakefield says with 80 per cent of Somerset Council's annual spending going on adult social care, they need more funding now.

Avon and Somerset Police has added more items, including a picture, jewellery, coins, and collectables, to an online gallery of stolen property and is urging the rightful owners to claim them back. The items, stolen in burglaries at properties across Somerset and on the Blackdown Hills, can be viewed on the Avon and Somerset website.

A pilot scheme aimed at reducing local hospital admissions to A&E by the most vulnerable patients has shown a 50 per cent reduction in visits. The NHS High-Intensity Use Service was set up in August 2023 and works by providing the most vulnerable patients with more home support.

Plans have been submitted to change the former White Post Inn at Rimpton into a house. The change of use application comes after the White Post closed as a restaurant last year, and the owners failed to find a buyer to take it on.

A Somerset woman who works with young people with special educational needs has been named as one of the UK’s most impressive female entrepreneurs. Jenn Hodge, who runs Rama Life at Frogmary Green Farm in South Petherton was singled out for recognition by Small Business Britain for supporting families and young people unable to attend a mainstream school due to high anxiety.

Somerset celebrity chef, Josh Eggleton, is converting a double-decker bus to help promote healthier eating. Josh says once converted, the bus will tour schools and local events to promote a better understanding of food and where it comes from.

More from News

Thursday 8th January

Adam Dance MP is welcoming developments in his campaign to support neurodivergent schoolchildren. Somerset was the star of the small screen last night, thanks to BBC comedy ‘Can You Keep A Secret’. A Yeovil gymnastics club has hosted a VIP guest...and more.
Wednesday 7th January

Somerset's Lib Dem MPs have described a one per cent rise in Council funding as 'profoundly disappointing'. A new independent cinema will open next month in Wincanton. We’re facing the chance of heavy snow with Storm Goretti hitting the region on Thursday...and more.
Tuesday 6th January

The Poundland chain has confirmed its store closures, including one of the Yeovil branches next Friday. Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been awarded an OBE for her outstanding contribution to rugby. Nearly one hundred new low-cost homes could be coming to South Chard...and more.
Monday 5th January

A woman has been cut free from her car after a four-vehicle collision in Montacute. Devon and Somerset fire crews have been praised for their bravery, following the summer wildfires. More new homes are set to be built in Martock, following approval from Somerset Council...and more.
Wednesday 24th December

A formal planning application has been made to carry out significant improvements to Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre, costing £15 million. The Halifax Bank in King George Street in Yeovil could be converted into 17 flats. A new young people’s centre opens in Chard early in the New Year...and more.
Tuesday 23rd December

NHS Somerset reports a strong uptake of flu jabs, but some eligible people for free vaccinations haven’t come forward. Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident on the A303 in which a pedestrian was killed. A Crewkerne woman has gone viral on TikTok after being trapped inside a Lidl store in the town... and more.
Monday 22nd December

Somerset Bus Partnership has welcomed a £24.7m boost for the county's bus services. Outline planning permission has been granted to build up to 100 new homes in Ilminster. An Ilminster man has been banned from keeping animals for seven years. Residents in Chiselborough have set up a group to try and re-open the village pub...and more.