Thursday 23rd November

Thursday, 23 November 2023 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 10th July

A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.
Thursday 10th July

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Wednesday 9th July

Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.
Tuesday 8th July

Adam Dance, MP has challenged the Government over a "failure to tackle rising levels of child poverty" in South Somerset. A man in Chard has been evicted from a property in the town. Temporary changes are being put in place at Yeovil Bus Station... and more
Monday 8th July

Avon & Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses after a collision between a car and a house in Stapleton. A Yeovil man has run 31 miles from Ham Hill to Lyme Regis for Yeovil's 'The Hub'. A family feast is coming to Chard as part of the Somerset Food Trail Festival...and more
Friday 4th July

Charity shops in Somerset report that they have received donations of dirty clothing and even soiled nappies. Plans have been submitted to build a further fifty new homes in Crewkerne. The National Audit Office says extra government funding to improve bus services, including in Somerset, has failed to deliver an increase in passenger numbers...and more
Thursday 3rd July

Dorset County Hospital is preparing to handle an increased number of births from now until the end of the year, following the closure of Yeovil Hospital's Maternity Unit. A number of former and current serving military personnel are pursuing the Ministry of Defence for compensation. Vandals have damaged a wooden shelter at the recreation ground in Ilminster...and more
Wednesday 2nd July

Business owners in Chard say ongoing roadworks in Fore Street are hurting their trade. A vehicle has been destroyed in a fire at a farm at Charlton Mackrell. A new recycling scheme has been launched to support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Castle Carey has created a Scarecrow Festival...and more