Thursday 31st October

Thursday, 31 October 2024 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is raising new questions about closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. Somerset Council Leader Bill Revans says yesterday's Budget failed to address local government's financial challenges. Chard High Street will be closed to traffic this evening for a trick-and-treat event to be held...and more

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is raising new questions about the decision to close the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. It’s due to shut in two years with services transferred to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton and the County Hospital in Dorchester. But Mr Dance, who’s fighting to save Yeovil’s hyper-acute stroke unit, says it has a stable workforce that is doing a good job, so why spend £4 million to close? Meanwhile, Mr Dance says he’ll continue to pressure the Health Secretary, Wess Streeting, to review the closure decision.

Somerset Council Leader, Bill Revans says yesterday's Budget did not go far enough to address the local government's fundamental financial challenges. He says he was pleased the Chancellor referenced some areas of concern, but on the bigger issue of funding adult social care, no proper help was given. Councillor Revans says a major disappointment was confirmation that dualling the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton has been dropped.

Ilminster-based systems manufacturer, Gooch and Housego, has acquired the component manufacturer, Phoenix Optical for £6.8 million. Gooch and Housego, who employ around 250 people say the acquisition will accelerate its reach in the UK and European aerospace and defence markets.

Chard Community Hub is appealing for donations of food and toiletries to its Community Fridge project. It says with rising living costs and changes to Winter Fuel Payments, the appeal is more crucial than ever. Items they’d like donated include tinned vegetables, meat, such as ham and tinned tuna, tea, coffee and sugar, and toiletries. All items must be unopened and in-date.

Chard High Street will be closed to traffic this evening for a trick-and-treat event. The night kicks off with a dance performance by the Kelly Leigh School of Dance, followed by a pumpkin carving competition and a spooky disco at the Guildhall.

A new boarding facility for dogs and cats has opened at Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard. To make it comfortable, the dog kennels are fitted with under-floor heating, while gentle music plays in the cattery to calm the cats.

More from News

Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.
Thursday 17th April

The father of a one-month-old baby boy in Chard is to stand trial for the murder of his son. New figures show that just under 1300 crimes were reported to the Police in Yeovil during the final quarter of last year. A night in a prison cell is offered at Shepton Mallet Jail to those who want to be alone this Easter...and more.
Wednesday 16th April

Big changes are being made to where taxi ranks in Yeovil are located. Farmers are being told to keep an extra lookout for people acting suspiciously following the latest livestock theft near the Devon and Somerset border. Channel 4’s Location Location Location is coming to Somerset, with anyone looking to buy a property locally invited to apply to be in the show...and more
Tuesday 15th April

A 36-year-old man remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of a sexual assault in Yeovil. Yeovil Labour Club has had its drinks licence revoked. NHS Somerset has been taking its physiotherapy team around the county to cut waiting times for patients. A men-only cooking course has been launched in Sherborne with all ingredients and equipment provided free of charge...and more
Monday 14th April

A new banking hub has opened in Crewkerne. South Western Ambulance is asking people to only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency over the Easter weekend. £1.8 million is being spent improving walking and cycling routes around a major new housing development at Up Mudford in Yeovil...and more
Friday 11th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in Yeovil in which a man riding an e-bike was injured and later died in hospital. Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says the number of false alarm calls it receives is on the increase. A new micro-pub opens in Chard next week...and more