Researchers in Somerset are taking part in a trial which it’s hoped will find a lasting treatment for Long Covid. New data shows that 180 people in the South West were diagnosed with HIV in 2022. Staff and students at Holyrood Academy in Chard are celebrating after being presented with a Gold Artsmark Award...and more.
Researchers in Somerset are taking part in a trial which it’s hoped will find a lasting treatment for Long Covid. Ninety-six volunteers with debilitating symptoms from having had Covid have been recruited and are being given the anti-viral medication Remdesivir which was previously used to treat acute Covid.
New data shows that 180 people in the South West were diagnosed with HIV in 2022. It's claimed that five per cent of the UK’s population is living with undiagnosed HIV.
Avon and Somerset Police have yet to deal with over 300 requests for information about potential victims of domestic abuse, despite being told to do so in March. An investigation found that because only one person was processing the requests a backlog had built up. The force was subsequently rated as 'inadequate' at protecting vulnerable people. Avon and Somerset Police say it’s trying to recruit more staff to solve the backlog.
Money will be raised for St Margaret's Hospice in the New Year by collecting used Christmas Trees. The trees will be taken away and recycled in return for a donation. St Margaret’s is also looking for volunteers to help collect the trees.
Staff and students at Holyrood Academy in Chard are celebrating after being presented with a Gold Artsmark Award. The award is in recognition of the school’s commitment to The Arts and the creative talents of its students
The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,