Thursday 28th November

Thursday, 28 November 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Residents in Somerset had the worst level of access to NHS dental treatment in England last year. Plans have been passed to build 300 new homes on the northern edge of Chard. Fourteen people have been arrested and 18 vehicles seized in five days of co-ordinated road policing operations by Avon and Somerset Police...and more

Residents in Somerset had the worst level of access to NHS dental treatment in England last year. The National Audit Office found 382 treatments were delivered per 1000 people, compared to 800 per 1000 people in South Yorkshire, which was the best-performing area in England. The NAO says the previous government's NHS dental recovery plan failed to restore NHS dental provision to pre-pandemic levels.

Plans have been passed to build 300 new homes - a third of which will be affordable - on the northern edge of Chard, including a new ground for Chard Town Football Club.

Sewer renovation work on West Street in Ilminster which has been causing traffic problems in the town centre is due to end tonight. Temporary traffic lights outside West Street Fish and Chips should be gone by midnight, with the road opening to traffic as normal. Work repairing Ilminster’s sewers will then move further along West Street next week.

Fourteen people have been arrested and 18 vehicles seized in five days of coordinated road policing operations by Avon and Somerset Police. It was held between the 11th and 15th of November, with further arrests made for other offences such as drug driving, prison recall, and vehicle theft. Police say 520 motorists were caught speeding and 23 were found driving without insurance.

Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve is to be provided with a new mobile classroom – thanks to a grant of £1500 given by Tesco. The mobile unit will be used to support environmental activities for local children at the reserve.

The A303 eastbound between Cartgate and Ilchester will be shut from 8 pm until 6 am tomorrow for white-lining work. Diversions will be in operation via the A3088, Watercombe Lane, the A30 and A37 re-joining the A303 at Ilchester.

More from News

Wednesday 4th December

Two weeks after Storm Bert, people in the village of Chaffcombe near Chard still do not have broadband and landline phones. A new report warns that drivers are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured on rural roads in Somerset than on urban roads. Staff and children at Tatworth Primary School near Chard are celebrating after winning the annual Somerset School's Maths Challenge.
Tuesday 3rd December

Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident in Shepton Mallet in which a man was beaten up. A major emergency exercise is taking place at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil today. A Crewkerne dental surgery has been voted UK Dental Practice of the Year...and more.
Monday 2nd December

Wessex Water has issued an apology for last Friday’s major disruption to water supplies in Yeovil. Planned reforms to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital could be delayed following the discovery of asbestos in parts of the building. Rail travellers are being warned of disruption on the West of England Line over the Christmas and New Year period...and more.
Friday 29th November

Work has started demolishing Glovers Walk in Yeovil. Chard Town Football Club says being given planning permission to build a new ground is a huge step forward for the Club. Police are appealing for information concerning the theft of farm equipment and a Land Rover. The Christmas lights are being turned on in Crewkerne tonight...and more
Wednesday 27th November

NHS Somerset says one hundred thousand people in the county have yet to receive the latest Covid booster jab. The road between Merriot and Lopen at Eggwood Hill remains closed following a landslip. Guests at a B&B in Cornwall can now book an overnight stay in a Lynx helicopter...and more.
Tuesday 26th November

A Somerset councillor has criticised government plans to relax the planning laws. A new group has been formed in Somerset aimed at cutting the number of motorcycle thefts. A retired Royal Naval Reserve Officer in Somerset has set a new Guinness World Record...and more.
Monday 25th November

Yeovil's Octagon Theatre is to get a £10 million grant. Flood warnings remain in force today. The Conservatives have won a by-election to fill a vacancy on Somerset Council. A fraud investigation has been launched into a defence firm...and more.
Friday 22nd November

Somerset Council has provided rough sleepers with emergency accommodation due to the extreme cold weather of the past few days. Three men from Somerset, charged in connection with a series of burglaries, are due in court today. The Christmas lights get turned on in Ilminster tonight...and more