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

Tuesday 26th May

A Martock agricultural machinery business has gone into administration, putting around thirty jobs at risk. A new sensory room has opened at a Yeovil schook to support neurodiverse pupils. The headteacher of a Chard primary school is stepping down... and more
Friday 22nd May

The National Farmers Union in Somerset has welcomed the government’s new trade deal with six Gulf countries. Campaigners say Somerset’s canals and locks are in urgent need new investment. The Liverpool comedian John Bishop is heading to Somerset later this year...and more
Thursday 21st May

Police are being asked to cut the time the M5 is closed following accidents. Plans to build a major solar farm near Chard have been thrown out. Aldi is asking shoppers to help find locations for new stores in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 20th May

People in Somerset are being encouraged to get their cholesterol checked to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A Chard man has appeared in court charged with using threatening behaviour. A gardener from Somerset has won a silver award at the Chelsea Flower Show... and more
Tuesday 19th May

A Somerset car boot business says it will no longer accept twenty-pound notes after being handed counterfeit notes.Taunton Flower Show is warning this year’s event could be its last. Numatic, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, have invested one-and-a-half million pounds installing new solar panels at their factory in Chard... and more
Monday 18th May

The RSPCA is investigating after eleven newborn puppies were abandoned in Snowdon Park in Chard. Major funding has been announced for a new two-year arts programme in Yeovil. Plans have been unveiled to improve sports facilities at Somerton Recreation Ground...and more
Friday 15th May

A fire that damaged two vehicles in Chaffcombe near Chard is being treated as deliberate. A road in Hardington Mandeville is set to re-open today after being closed for three days. Friends, family and colleagues of a Royal Navy officer based at RNAS Yeovilton are taking on a 630-mile coastal challenge in her memory... and more
Thursday 14th May

Somerset Council has defended spending nineteen million pounds on consultants over the past three years. A new clinic specialising in sexual health has opened in Yeovil. RNAS Yeovilton has been in the TV spotlight this week after featuring on Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr...and more