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
Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas has been put up for sale... and more
People in Somerset are being asked to take part in a new survey about alcohol use. Yeovil's MP Adam Dance will lead a debate in Parliament today on NHS dentistry. A Yeovil runner has been selected to represent England at a national endurance championship... and more
It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
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.