Local News Thursday 15th December

Thursday, 15 December 2022 06:00

One hundred and sixty-nine motorists have been arrested in the first three weeks of the Avon and Somerset Police Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving. A consultant in public health at Somerset County Council says it's important to keep homes warm during the day. 8.6 million pounds is being spent refurbishing five schools in Crewkerne and Ilminster. This winter, an appeal to support vulnerable people in Somerset has raised more than 100 thousand pounds...and more.

One hundred and sixty-nine motorists have been arrested in the first three weeks of the Avon and Somerset Police Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving. ‘Operation Tonic’ with officers carrying out roadside checks as part of the campaign was started earlier this year to coincide with the World Cup. Last year’s campaign resulted in the arrests of 246 drivers.

A consultant in public health at Somerset County Council says it's important to keep homes warm during the day, particularly for people who are vulnerable to the cold. Alice Munro says not keeping rooms well heated can lead to serious health problems.

8.6 million pounds is being spent refurbishing five schools in Crewkerne and Ilminster. Ashlands Primary School is getting a new classroom built. Herne View Primary School is having its classrooms refurbished. Wadham School is getting a new food classroom and dining space built. Maiden Beech Primary School is getting a new classroom for reception children. And, new windows, doors and a new heating system are being fitted at Wadham School, together with a refurbishment of the science block.

This winter, an appeal to support vulnerable people in Somerset has raised more than 100 thousand pounds. The Somerset Surviving Winter Appeal, organized by Somerset Community Foundation runs every year with the public donating their winter fuel payment for giving to those in greatest need.

There is just over one week left to comment on a new plan for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Somerset. The Somerset SEND Partnership is urging families to share their thoughts before the 23rd of December. The strategy will set out the next steps to improve the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Somerset.

A sprig of thorn from Glastonbury is on its way to King Charles to include in his Christmas table display. Legend has it that the holy thorn in Glastonbury was planted by Joseph of Arimathea when he brought the Holy Grail to the town and established Glastonbury’s first Christian church. The tradition of taking a cutting to give to the Monarch was started by the Bishop of Bath and Wells back in the reign of King James the First.

More from News

Wednesday 5th February

The Liberal Democrat Leader of Somerset Council, Councillor Bill Revans, says they had no choice but to ask the government to allow them to lift the 5 percent cap on raising Council Tax. Two teenagers have been released on bail following the stabbing in Yeovil. More than six thousand pounds has been awarded to local groups by Chard Carnival Committee...and more.
Tuesday 4th February

Somerset has been permitted to increase its Council Tax share by 7.5 percent. An Ilminster man, forced out of his house by last week's floods, says he doesn't know when he will be able to return home. Ilminster Literary Festival has launched its annual children’s writing competition, designed to encourage local children to write creative literature...and more.
Monday 3rd February

Five men have appeared in court charged with the murder of a man in Yeovil. A 16-year-old is the second person to be arrested in connection with a stabbing in Yeovil. Yeovil’s new outdoor entertainment space in Lower Middle Street has been officially opened by the town’s MP... and more.
Friday 31st January

A teenager has been arrested following a stabbing in Yeovil. Water bills in Somerset are set to go up on average by £123 from April. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance will officially open Yeovil’s new outdoor performance space later today...and more
Thursday 30th January

Lloyds bank is closing its branch in Chard. A Sherborne man has been jailed after defrauding a Yeovil woman of £40,000. A volunteer group in Chard is urging people to sign up to a flood victims register. A councillor in Shepton Mallet has become the first Reform UK member on Somerset Council... and more
Wednesday 29th January

New mums in Somerset could soon be offered a cervical screening test six weeks after giving birth. Police are asking for help in finding a Yeovil man wanted on recall to prison. The government has given half a million pounds towards planting more trees in Somerset, including 100 new trees in Yeovil...and more
Tuesday 28th January

Work continues to clean up from the floods in Chard, Ilminster, Somerton, South Petherton, and parts of Yeovil. A man who threatened to kill a support worker at the mental health unit in Yeovil has been sentenced to a community order. A competition that gives new musicians the chance to play at this year's Glastonbury festival has opened for entries...and more
Monday 27th January

A major incident has been declared by Somerset Council to ensure a multi-agency response to the flash flooding that's affected Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, South Petherton and parts of Yeovil. Police believe a 4x4 pick-up truck, found submerged in the River Yeo at Yeovilton at the weekend, may have been stolen. An appeal to raise £2 million to restore the Grand Organ at Wells Cathedral has raised over £1 million in less than 18 months...and more