The trust that runs the Somerset ambulance service has confirmed that up to forty jobs are at risk. Chinnock Hollow, near Yeovil, has been subjected to a permanent road closure. Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident where a defibrillator was vandalised in Ilminster. Somerset wicket-keeper James Rew has been drafted into the England Test squad to play Zimbabwe...and more
The Somerset Ambulance Service's trust has confirmed that up to forty jobs are at risk. In a statement, South Western Ambulance Service says that despite measures to reduce costs, it is now entering into a consultation period with staff. The jobs at risk are within the Corporate Support Services team, where five million pounds has to be saved this year. Frontline clinical roles won't be affected.
Chinnock Hollow, near Yeovil, has been subjected to a permanent road closure. The Road was closed in February 2021 after a landslide made it unsafe to use. Somerset Council, which issued the closure notice, says they have no plans to reopen the road. It has been estimated that it will cost £2.7 million.
Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident in which a defibrillator was vandalised in Ilminster. On Wednesday, April 30th, the life-saving machine located by the phone box in Market Square was removed and damaged. If you can help police with their enquiries, please call the non-emergency number 101.
Somerset wicket-keeper James Rew has been drafted into the England Test squad to play Zimbabwe this month. The 21-year-old top scored with 116 in the recent win against Essex in the County Championship. Rew is the youngest Englishman to score 10 first-class centuries since England legend Dennis Compton managed it in 1939.
Ten extra maternity beds have been made available at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital following the closure of Yeovil's maternity unit. Some Glastonbury festival goers say they've been left thousands of pounds out of pocket after a glamping business was liquidated. Chard Fire Station is asking businesses to offer their buildings for fire training. The Cotley Inn, in Wambrook, has been placed on a top 10 list of the best pubs in Britain...and more.
Residents of Chard are being asked to be more proactive and call the local police when they spot acts of crime and anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council says its gritting teams went out 1700 times last winter, covering more than 117,000 miles and spreading 6,000 tonnes of salt to keep local roads open. Leonardo Helicopters says it will be conducting test flights over Yeovil tonight up until 10.30 pm...and more
Yeovil MP Adam Dance says closing the maternity unit at Yeovil Hospital is a disaster for the town. A Somerset transport company that supplies supermarkets says it’s being held to ransom by cyber hackers. NHS Somerset says 70% of people in the highest risk groups have yet to get their Covid-19 spring booster jab...and more
A Yeovil man says his life has improved since having a new weight loss treatment. A pub near Chard is blaming increased running costs imposed by the government for the business closing. A Somerset woman has been left with facial injuries after coming off her horse when it was spooked by a driver overtaking at speed...and more
Four thousand people have signed a petition calling for Yeovil’s maternity unit to be re-opened as soon as possible. UNISON is calling on Somerset Council to clarify how it will operate services now that hundreds of staff have been made redundant. The Bishop of Bath and Wells says he’s concerned about amendments to the assisted dying bill...and more.
A Wincanton woman, who is due to give birth with her first child at Yeovil Hospital, says she’s been left in shock after being told the maternity unit in the town is to close. A South Petherton man has appeared in court charged with riding a motorbike while under the influence of drugs. One of Ilminster’s oldest residents has died aged 104...and more
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has been asked to intervene in the decision to close the maternity ward at Yeovil Hospital. A man who lives in Winsham near Chard has been given a suspended prison sentence for breaching his sex offender notification requirements. Plans have been submitted to convert Dolphin House in Yeovil into 18 residential units...and more
The Labour Ward and Special Care Baby Unit at Yeovil Hospital is closing for six months following safety concerns. Chard Youth Centre says it will be heartbreaking if it has to close. The road between Ilminster and Chard at Dowlish Ford is shut to traffic again today. People in Somerset are being advised to wear sunglasses to protect their eyesight during the current sunny weather...and more