Thursday 21st November

Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Bus campaigners are warning that government funding to improve Somerset’s bus network could be lost if Somerset Council goes bankrupt. GPs in Somerset are calling on the government to protect them from planned National Insurance tax rises for employers. Luxury handbag maker, Mulberry, is cutting dozens of jobs, including here in our locality...and more

Bus campaigners are warning that government funding of nearly seven million pounds to improve Somerset’s bus network could be lost if Somerset Council goes bankrupt. The authority is currently managing a financial crisis, making hundreds of staff redundant and cutting services. Peter Travis the co-chair of Somerset Bus Partnership, a voluntary group which supports the county's bus network welcomes the government's funding support but is concerned about Somerset Council’s financial position.

GPs in Somerset are calling on the government to protect them from planned National Insurance tax rises for employers, warning it could hit patient services. The Wessex Local Medical Committees, which represents GP practices in Somerset, has described the NI tax increases as being a "hammer blow".

Luxury handbag maker, Mulberry, is cutting dozens of jobs, including here in Somerset. It follows a 20 percent drop in sales in the first half of the year and plans for a major restructure of the business. The move comes a month after Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group ditched plans to takeover Mulberry.

The A303 westbound between the Cartgate roundabout and Prophets Lane will be shut from 7 pm until 6 am tomorrow for white-lining. Diversions will be in operation via the A3088, A30 and A356.

A one-day advice session is being held in Yeovil for anyone who has experienced, is currently experiencing, or may have concerns about domestic abuse. Organised by Somerset Council’s domestic abuse service, to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, it’s being held at Abbey Manor Business Centre on Preston Road, next Monday, November 25th.

More from News

Wednesday 20th November

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, says he’ll vote in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill when it comes before Parliament later this month. Manor Court Primary School in Chard has been rated as ‘good’ following an OFSTED inspection. Forty-nine new homes are to be built at Broadway Hill in Horton, near Ilminster, following a successful planning appeal...and more
Tuesday 19th November

Somerset Council is investigating the source of a raw sewage leak at Limington, near Ilchester. Somerset has been given £7 million to improve local bus services. Chard Road Runners have donated three hundred rolls of wrapping paper to the Chard Christmas Present Appeal...and more
Monday 18th November

Nightspots in Yeovil are participating in a new initiative aimed at reducing crime and making people feel safer. A drop-in session is taking place in Chard this week for local people to ask questions about a new £2 million flood prevention scheme. The A303 eastbound between Ilchester and Podimore will be closed from 8 pm tonight until 6 am tomorrow...and more.
Friday 15th November

National Highways says the scheme to dual the A303 between Ilchester and Sparkford has been designed in the interests of motorists, horse riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. An investigation has been launched after a teenage girl was forced into a car in Wincanton. The number of children in Somerset being home-educated has nearly doubled since the Covid pandemic...and more
Thursday 14th November

Farmers in Somerset are being asked not to leave roads covered in mud following an accident near Ilminster A liver screening project developed in Somerset could be rolled out across the UK. Senior managers at Somerset Council have been awarded a 2.5 per cent pay rise...and more
Wednesday 13th November

A South Petherton man has appeared in court charged with four counts of assaulting police officers. Public Health officials in Somerset have welcomed the news that an improved anti-smoking pill will be available locally on the NHS. A Royal Navy Commander, based at RNAS Yeovilton, has raised £4,000 for Help the Heroes with a world record attempt...and more
Tuesday 12th November

New figures have shown a sharp rise in crime in Chard in the last six months. A retired RAF pilot in Somerset has been speaking about the joys of being a foster parent at the age of 88. Councillor Pauline Parsons has been honoured for her 40 years service to the local community...and more
Monday 11th November

A man has been arrested in connection with an unlicensed music event held near Bruton. Police are appealing for witnesses to a crash involving a tractor and car in Yeovil. Accommodation providers are being urged to put themselves forward to provide lodgings to actors and film crews visiting Somerset...and more