Wednesday 29th November

Wednesday, 29 November 2023 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The head of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance says they’re busier now than they have ever been. Housing charities in Somerset say there's been a big rise in the number of people being evicted from private housing, through no fault of their own. A teenager from Ilton has been chosen as the St John Ambulance District Cadet of the Year...and more.

The Head of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance says they’re busier now than they have ever been. In the past five years, the number of emergencies attended by the air ambulance has more than doubled. Charles Hackett, CEO of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance says as demand grows, they will need more funding and more resources.

Campaigners in Yeovil fighting to keep open the stroke unit in the town say they need to see the details of new plans to create a countywide stroke care service based at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. As part of the revised plan, NHS Somerset says it would retain the provision of longer-term stroke recovery beds at Yeovil Hospital.

Housing charities in Somerset say there's been a big rise in the number of people being evicted from private housing, through no fault of their own. So-called no-fault evictions are at their highest level in seven years in Somerset.

Plans have been passed to build nine houses on the site of a former garage at Horton, near Ilminster. A mix of three, four, and five-bedroom detached properties will be built on the land off Shave Lane, with the former garage being demolished before construction begins.

A teenager from Ilton has been chosen as the St John Ambulance District Cadet of the Year. Corporal Sami Bowen, aged 15, who attends Holyrood School, in Chard, was selected following a competition day involving cadets from Somerset, Avon and Bristol. Sami, who’s a member of the Ilton Cadet Unit, now goes forward to compete in the national competition, where she could be crowned National Cadet of the Year.

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New data shows the South West has the highest childhood vaccination coverage in England. Somerton now has a post office - four years after the previous one closed. Leonardo in Yeovil are advising local residents of evening flying taking place... and more
Monday 29th June

Somerset Council’s Executive is being asked to approve a major SEND investment package. Taunton Brewhouse has reached its twenty thousand pound fundraising target. A crash on the M5 northbound at the weekend caused 75 minute delays for drivers... and more
Friday 26th June

The hottest June day on record has been recorded in Somerset. A teenage boy has been found not guilty of killing a nine-year-old girl. Tatworth Primary School has been recognised for its success in science education... and more
Thursday 25th June

MP Sarah Dyke, has called for more money to help better equip schools in future heatwaves. The A361 near Glastonbury shut yesterday, after a gritter caught fire. A night at the opera is coming to Yeovil and Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 24th June

Somerset Council has activated its ‘Severe Weather Emergency Protocol’. Many schools are closing their doors for 48 hours. Great Western Railway is advising essential travel only... and more
Tuesday 22nd June

Police have appealed for information following an incident in Yeovil. The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning. Somerset Council in inviting locals to have their say on how the county could change in the future... and more
Monday 21st June

Somerset Council is set to lose tens of millions of pounds from selling off properties. Hundreds of people gathered at Glastonbury Tor to mark the summer solstice. The police and crime commissioner has expressed her support for a social media ban for under 16s.... and more
Friday 19th June

An amber heat health alert has been issued for Somerset with high temperatures expected to continue into next week. Schools across Somerset are taking part in a pilot scheme teaching children about money laundering. Ham Hill Country Park has been recognised with a top award for its efforts to protect the countryside... and more