News in Midsomer Norton and Radstock

This week, top epidemiologist and government adviser, Professor Neil Ferguson, told the media that the spread of coronavirus is showing early signs of slowing in the United Kingdom (UK).

The reduction in hospital admittances is, according to Professor Ferguson, as a result of the lockdown measures that have been implemented in recent weeks. What this tells us is that by working at home, going out for only essential reasons and social distancing by at least six feet we are starting to take better control of this situation, allowing the NHS to treat those in need.

This week, top epidemiologist and government adviser, Professor Neil Ferguson, told the media that the spread of coronavirus is showing early signs of slowing in the United Kingdom (UK).

The reduction in hospital admittances is, according to Professor Ferguson, as a result of the lockdown measures that have been implemented in recent weeks. What this tells us is that by working at home, going out for only essential reasons and social distancing by at least six feet we are starting to take better control of this situation, allowing the NHS to treat those in need.

RADSTOCK BRIEFING: Wednesday April 1

Do you have someone as a patient in the RUH? There is a new service so you can stay in touch with them while visiting is suspended. Email [email protected] or call 01225 826984 with a message for your friend or loved one. You need to tell them the patient's name, date of birth, location or ward if known, and your details, including your relationship to them.

MIDSOMER NORTON BRIEFING: Wednesday April 1

Plans for a £9million academic building at Bath College have suffered a major blow after the region's council leaders pulled the plug on funding the ambitious project.

Spiralling costs at the design stage have forced the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) to withdraw support for the proposed Digital and Creative Innovation Centre at the city centre campus.

A man who drove 100 miles to see his girlfriend is among the 23 people fined by Avon and Somerset Police for defying "sensible advice" during the coronavirus lockdown.

Chief constable Andy Marsh said the force is not enforcing the new rules unnecessarily but to help end the crisis with as little loss of life possible.

A man who drove 100 miles to see his girlfriend is among the 23 people fined by Avon and Somerset Police for defying "sensible advice" during the coronavirus lockdown.

Chief constable Andy Marsh said the force is not enforcing the new rules unnecessarily but to help end the crisis with as little loss of life possible.

With theatres and cinemas closed and communal life in the 'physical world' put on hold, the team at Strode Theatre in Street have decided not to give up on its primary purpose: to be the heart of the community, bring people together and provide entertainment, diversion, creativity and culture.

It will be harder to fulfil that purpose in lock-down, without the theatre's facilities, but, Theatre Manager Robin Peters promises it is, "absolutely possible".

Over the last 35 years, more than 12,000 local people have benefitted from the free legal surgery held by solicitors Thatcher + Hallam, in what is believed to be one of the oldest continuous legal clinics in the whole of the country.

The great news for the public is that the onset of the coronavirus has not meant the end of the surgery, just that the service has had to be tweaked.

MIDSOMER NORTON BRIEFING: Tuesday March 31

New opening times at the One Stop shop at the top of Midsomer Norton. It is now open from 7am until 9pm every day.