Friday 10th January

Friday, 10 January 2025 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil Hospital has declared a critical incident due to a sharp rise in flu admissions putting pressure on bed spaces. Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, joined campaigners and colleagues in Downing Street this week to hand in a petition calling for action to tackle the shortage of NHS dentists. Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been replaced as England's Red Roses captain for 2025 season... and more

Yeovil Hospital has declared a critical incident due to a sharp rise in flu admissions putting pressure on bed spaces. It comes as NHS data shows that more than one thousand more people a week are being admitted to hospital with the virus.

An extra 14 pounds is how much people in the Somerset area could be asked to pay as part of their council tax bill next year to help fund local policing. It's the maximum amount Avon and Somerset Police can charge, using the example of a band D property.

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, joined campaigners and colleagues in Downing Street earlier this week to hand in a petition calling for action by the government to tackle the shortage of NHS dentists. The petition, started by the British Dental Association, was signed by 257,000 people. Campaigners want the government to provide better funding for NHS dentistry, and ensure fair access to dental care for everyone.

There's another scam doing the rounds trying to exploit pensioners who will no longer get winter fuel payments. Police in Somerset say criminals are encouraging people to click on links in order to register or claim money to pay for heating. They're asking relatives of vulnerable or elderly people to share the warning and prevent financial and personal data being handed to scammer.

Cambrian Lufton Manor College in Yeovil that teaches students with autism has been giving a glowing report from the Care Quality Commission. The college, that also supports people with learning disabilities, currently has 14 students living on-campus aged between 16 and 24. In their report, inspectors said staff were exceptional at treating students as individuals and were exceptional at promoting their independence.

Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been replaced as England's Red Roses captain for 2025 season. The Saracen's player has 108 caps for England but did not start every match in last year's six nations. Marlie who will remain as Vice Captain says she’s 'loved every minute' of her time as captain and fully supports Zoe Aldcroft as her replacement.

More from News

Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more
Tuesday 2nd June

Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group says a decision not to introduce mass screening for prostate cancer is the wrong one. A Martock woman has been banned from driving for 28 months. Somerset Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking the volunteers who help deliver council services... and more
Monday 1st June

People in Somerset with Football Banning Orders are being reminded they must surrender their passports by the end of today ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. A road in Yeovil will close for nine days later this week. Farmers from Somerset were among the winners of this year's ITV Britain's Got Talent final...and more
Friday 29th May

South Western Ambulance Service is struggling to cope after a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke says a shortage of rental homes is making it harder for rural employers to attract workers. The National Trust is warning that changing weather patterns are making it difficult to maintain the Cerne Abbas Giant... and more
Thursday 28th May

People are being asked to take extra care in parks and open spaces as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fire. Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Yeovil can now go ahead after a High Court challenge by Mudford Parish Council was dismissed. A Somerset bakery chain has sparked a reaction after it stopped making iced buns... and more
Wednesday 27th May

The UK Health Security Agency has increased its heat health alert for Somerset to amber. Trading Standards officers have shut down three shops in Taunton after illegal cigarettes and vapes were discovered on the premises. Bridgwater Town Council is considering running its own bus services...and more