New figures show a sharp increase in reports of drones interfering with critical air ambulance missions. The Liberal Democrats have retained the Mendip Hills seat on Somerset Council following a by-election. A woman from Chard has been recognised for her contribution to the community with an invitation to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace... and more
Helicopter pilots working for air ambulances in the South West have issued a warning to drone operators following a rise in disruptions to emergency flights. New figures show a sharp increase in reports of drones interfering with critical air ambulance missions, with drones flown close to helicopters by people attempting to capture footage for social media. Pilots say the problem is becoming increasingly dangerous, with some emergency missions delayed or even aborted. The Civil Aviation Authority is reminding drone operators that strict regulations prohibit flying near the scene of an emergency response.
The Liberal Democrats have retained the Mendip Hills seat on Somerset Council following a by-election. Sam Phripp won the seat with one thousand, five hundred and thirty-four votes. Reform UK candidate Greg Stone finished second on nine hundred and thirty-six votes.
Somerset Council has announced plans to build six hundred new homes over the next five years as part of efforts to address housing demand across the county.
An appeal has been launched for more people to foster abandoned animals. Animal fosterers provide temporary homes for pets while they are prepared for permanent adoption. Charities say foster care plays a vital role in helping animals adjust to life in a home environment and recover from neglect or abandonment.
A woman from Chard has been recognised for her contribution to the community with an invitation to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Hilary Willoughby attended the event in recognition of thirty years of service to the Chard St Mary’s Walking Group, where she currently serves as chair.
In women’s rugby, Yeovil’s Marlie Packer scored four tries for England in their victory over Italy at the weekend. The result means the Women’s Six Nations title will be decided on the final day of the tournament, when England face France next Sunday.
Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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