Local News Tuesday 1st February

Tuesday, 1 February 2022 06:00

People aged sixteen and over in South Somerset, who are severely immunosuppressed, can book to have a booster Covid jab online from today. Incidents of illegal fly-tipping rose significantly across South Somerset last year, according to new data. People in South Somerset with Type two diabetes could be offered a soup-and-shake diet on the NHS. Organisers of the Ilminster Tree Project say they’ve planted more than 2,000 trees as part of efforts to plant 7,000 trees, representing one tree for every resident of the town...and more.

People aged sixteen and over in South Somerset, who are severely immunosuppressed, can book to have a booster Covid jab online from today. The group includes people having treatment for conditions such as cancer or those with long-term chronic conditions where their condition puts them at greater risk if they were to contract Covid. Meanwhile, Covid rules in local care homes have been eased. Restrictions on visitor numbers have been lifted, together with the isolation periods for staff who test positive with Covid, cut to 14 days.

Incidents of illegal fly-tipping rose significantly across South Somerset last year, according to new data. Figures from DEFRA, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, show 797 incidents of fly-tipping were reported in South Somerset in 2021, compared to 561 in 2020.

People in South Somerset with Type two diabetes could be offered a soup-and-shake diet on the NHS. A pilot study found that it helped obese people lose more than two stones in three months. People who are put on the diet will get the soups and shakes for free and get support from clinicians. After three months, they'll be given a programme to reintroduce nutritious food to their diet.

Organisers of the Ilminster Tree Project say they’ve planted more than 2,000 trees as part of efforts to plant 7,000 trees, representing one tree for every resident of the town. A social event is being held at The Dolphin Inn in Ilminster tonight for those involved in the project and for anyone who would like to join as a volunteer.

Yeovil Town are back in action tonight, they take on Weymouth in a National League fixture at Huish Park, the kick-off is at 7:45 pm.

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Friday 21st November

A public inquiry is being held into plans to build a large solar farm in the village of Wayford. Fire crews have put out a small blaze at Tesco in Ilminster. Canadian firm KDC One is closing its Wellington factory, putting dozens of jobs at risk. It's Ilminster's turn to switch on the Christmas lights tonight... and more.
Thursday 20th November

Taunton Town Council has agreed to provide funding for five years to support the town's Brewhouse Theatre. The Environment Agency is warning that Somerset could experience a drought next spring if this winter is drier than usual. We’re being asked to look out for rough sleepers during the current cold snap...and more
Wednesday 19th November

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is calling for stronger preventative measures to stop sewage discharges into local waterways. Somerset Council is to provide three new children's homes across the County. Street Football Club has appointed a father-and-son team to manage the club... and more.
Tuesday 18th November

Somerset Council has set up a task force to help identify land for a permanent traveller’s site in the county. Police are appealing for information after a charity shop in Martock was targeted by burglars. A Somerset woman is seeking individuals with a connection to the armed forces to join a new amateur rowing club...and more.
Monday 17th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are threatening further strike action. Dunelm says its Yeovil store in the Quedam will reopen on Tuesday, December 16th. A nurse working at Yeovil Hospital has won a place in the final of Miss England...and more.
Friday 14th November

Yeovil Hospital has introduced a new system for handling patients at its A&E department aimed at cutting waiting times. It’s claimed that an Iron Age settlement preserved under Somerset's wetlands for 2,000 years is facing erosion due to climate change. Montacute Road in Tintinhull will be closed for five days next week for repairs to a gas main.
Thursday 13th November

Workers at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are taking part in a second day of strike action in their dispute over pay. Lloyds Bank has closed its branch in Chard permanently. A week-long programme of tree planting will be held at Ham Hill later this month to mark National Tree Week...and more
Wednesday 12th November

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil begin a two-day strike today. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, has been speaking in a parliamentary debate on improving dyslexia support in schools. South Western Ambulance Service is inviting applications for positions on its governing council...and more