Thursday 23rd November

Thursday, 23 November 2023 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The South Western Ambulance Service is asking people to use its services responsibly as it prepares for a challenging winter. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which includes Yeovil Hospital, is contacting people after hospital records were inappropriately accessed. Chard Ladies Rugby team is taking on a new challenge, climbing to the top of the National Three Peaks for charity...and more.

The South Western Ambulance Service is asking people to use its services responsibly as it prepares for a challenging winter. South Western Ambulance says increased flu cases, colder temperatures, and higher numbers of 999 calls, will exacerbate the challenge this winter. People are being asked to only call 999 in life-threatening situations, and not call back unless things worsen or an ambulance is no longer needed. For non-life-threatening emergencies, they're asked to call 111, their GP or local pharmacies.

Police are advising people to be at home when parcels are delivered this Christmas, to avoid them being left outside the house. It follows figures showing that in the Avon and Somerset force area, police dealt with 489 thefts of parcels from outside properties between August 2022 and July this year. They say porch thefts are difficult crimes to solve, with the majority of cases going unsolved.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is contacting up to 200 people after some of its hospital records were inappropriately accessed by a member of staff.

Somerset Council has been recognised as a leader for the way it has responded to the climate emergency. The Council has been given an A rating by the environmental charity, CDP, for its contribution to mitigating climate change. The A-rating was based on the council’s climate-related projects including expanding Somerset’s network of electric vehicle charging points and encouraging the uptake of ‘retrofit’ home heating systems

Members of the Chard Ladies Rugby team are taking on a new challenge – climbing to the top of the National Three Peaks. The team will attempt to scale Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon in just 24 hours next year, helping to raise funds for grassroots rugby.

All designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Somerset have officially been renamed 'National Landscapes' from this week. The team who manage the Mendip Hills - now categorized as a National Landscape – have welcomed the change of name. They say it's a better reflection of the area’s national importance.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more