county news

Somerset community hospital bed numbers to be cut in April

Somerset community hospital bed numbers to be cut in April

The NHS has confirmed it will reduce hospital beds at two community hospitals while introducing new services as part of a trial.In line with the government's 10-year plan, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is looking at relocating or repurposing inpatient beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital and Burnham-on-Sea War Memorial Hospital.In April 2026, the trust will temporarily reducing the number of beds from 16 to eight at both hospitals, using the space for services like chemotherapy and maternity services.The trust…

Continue ReadingSomerset community hospital bed numbers to be cut in April

Torbay healthcare partnership’s future under threat

Torbay healthcare partnership’s future under threat

Miles DavisDevon political reporterBBCThe partnership between Torbay Council and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is said to have reduced hospital admissionsA healthcare partnership which helps to reduce hospital admissions is at risk.Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT) works with Torbay Council to provide adult social care services.However, council leader Dave Thomas told cabinet members the health trust was "giving serious consideration" to ending the partnership because of the cost of providing the service.TSDFT said…

Continue ReadingTorbay healthcare partnership’s future under threat

Two new Bath schools to be built for Send children

Two new Bath schools to be built for Send children

Two new schools for children with additional needs are set to be built after long-awaited funding has been announced.Bath and North East Somerset Council signed off on plans to build a 120-place special school and a 55-place alternative provision school last year, but the funding was frozen by the government. Following an 18-month delay, the money has now been confirmed, with the new schools planned to be built at the vacant Bath Community Academy, which closed seven years…

Continue ReadingTwo new Bath schools to be built for Send children

Joe Walsh says Cornish Pirates are confident after promising start to the season

Joe Walsh says Cornish Pirates are confident after promising start to the season

Cornish Pirates coach Joe Walsh feels the Champ side are capable of beating any team in the league. The Pirates are currently fourth in the table, having lost their past two games, against title-chasing Worcester and Bedford - the latter by one point on Saturday. Having started the season with three winless games, Pirates won their next five to move up the table and have taken 10 bonus points from their 10 matches. "We're in 10 rounds of…

Continue ReadingJoe Walsh says Cornish Pirates are confident after promising start to the season

How a Devon charity raised £20,000 for Christmas presents

How a Devon charity raised £20,000 for Christmas presents

Available for over a yearCaroline Wilson, co-founder of the charity and chair of its trustees, spoke with John Acres about how Operation Santa has been able to raise money to buy gifts for children from disadvantaged families. Picture credit: Getty Images/Universal Images GroupProgramme WebsiteShow less Source link

Continue ReadingHow a Devon charity raised £20,000 for Christmas presents

Tribute to father-of-two killed in rural collision near Wimborne

Tribute to father-of-two killed in rural collision near Wimborne

A 24-year-old man who died in a two-car crash on a rural road in Dorset was "caring, funny and mischievous", his family have said.Robbie Williams, also known as Robbie Diffey, and another driver, a 57-year-old man from Poole, were both pronounced dead at the scene of the collision on the B3078 at Knowlton, near Wimborne, on Saturday evening.In a statement, the family of father-of-two Mr Williams, from Poole, said his death had "left a huge hole in all…

Continue ReadingTribute to father-of-two killed in rural collision near Wimborne

‘Rise in EV battery fires’ and ‘blaze destroys family’s home’

‘Rise in EV battery fires’ and ‘blaze destroys family’s home’

Jake ShortA fire service is doing a "deep dive" into data around electric vehicle (EV) battery fires following a rise in incidentsHere is our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media.Our pick of local website storiesDevon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has announced it is doing a "deep dive" into data around electric vehicle (EV) battery fires following a rise in incidents, including one which…

Continue Reading‘Rise in EV battery fires’ and ‘blaze destroys family’s home’

Jurassic Coast cliff rescue for missing spaniel Willow

Jurassic Coast cliff rescue for missing spaniel Willow

A "very lucky" pet dog has been rescued after spending more than a week stuck around cliffs on the Dorset coast.Kimmeridge Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) said its members were alerted to a spaniel trapped on a beach at Egmount Point while they were training on Tuesday evening.A rope team from Swanage Coastguard was brought in to lower rescuers from the clifftop to the beach below. They then managed to entice her into a recovery bag to be hoisted…

Continue ReadingJurassic Coast cliff rescue for missing spaniel Willow

Redruth motorcyclist, 16, seriously injured in Falmouth crash

Redruth motorcyclist, 16, seriously injured in Falmouth crash

BBCThe Redruth teenager is being treated for his injuries in hospitalA 16-year-old motorcyclist is being treated in hospital after sustaining serious injuries in a crash in Falmouth on Wednesday.Police were called at 08:35 GMT to the crash involving a white 50CC motorcycle and a blue Ford Ranger 4x4 on the roundabout connecting North Road, Falmouth Road and Dracaena Avenue next to the town's McDonald's restaurant.A man in his 30s from Falmouth was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst…

Continue ReadingRedruth motorcyclist, 16, seriously injured in Falmouth crash

South Chard social club ‘could close’ due to series of VAT bills

South Chard social club ‘could close’ due to series of VAT bills

Ruth BradleyPolitics reporter, BBC SomersetPerry St Social ClubPerry Street Social Club employs 11 local peopleAn "incredible" 126-year-old social club could have to close over a series of large VAT bills.Perry Street Social Club, in the village of South Chard in Somerset, has launched a 'Save Our Club' campaign as well as doubling its membership fees and asking people to pay them early.Chair Martin Whitehead said the not-for-profit club was a victim of current trends in the hospitality business.The…

Continue ReadingSouth Chard social club ‘could close’ due to series of VAT bills