Thursday 14th November

Wednesday, 13 November 2024 15:52

By Steve Haigh

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

Farmers in Somerset are being asked not to leave roads covered in mud. It follows an accident in Sea near Ilminster in which a motorcyclist suffered serious injuries after skidding on a mudded road and being thrown from his machine. Last month, the A3088 Cartgate link road near Yeovil had to be closed to clear mud from the road. Somerset Council is reminding farmers that it is an offence to leave a road covered in mud, with paying to clean the road should it be their fault.

A liver screening project developed in Somerset could be rolled out across the UK. The 1.4 million pound project analysed blood tests of thousands of adults for signs of liver disease and identified 700 people with potential problems. Doctor Tim Jobson, a Somerset NHS Foundation Tru liver specialist, says their work represents a major breakthrough in treating liver disease.

Somerset Council senior managers have been awarded a 2.5 percent pay rise. The increase is in line with nationally agreed pay scales for council staff, but it comes at a time when hundreds of staff are set to lose their jobs through compulsory redundancy.

The ancient Somerset tradition of charm-making has been revived. Mark Heyward, collects stones, bones, feathers, flowers and leaves, and puts them in small glass bottles. The mixture - worn as a pendant - is said to bring the wearer good fortune or good health. What started as a hobby during lockdown has become a business with Mark selling his pendants all over the world.

A project in Merriot, aimed at building people’s confidence, self-esteem and well-being, has been given a King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The ARK project at Egwood provides people with a safe outdoor space to connect with themselves and others
through nature, rural arts and using animals.

A Yeovil gym has raised £2,300 for a mental health charity. Progress Gym founder Rob Harris presented a cheque for £2,313 to Mind in Somerset having raised the money by completing a 130-kilometer walk around Yeovil.

More from News

Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more
Friday 16th January

The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more
Thursday 15th January

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.
Wednesday 14th January

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more