Friday 16th May

Friday, 16 May 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Wincanton woman, who is due to give birth with her first child at Yeovil Hospital, says she’s been left in shock after being told the maternity unit in the town is to close. A South Petherton man has appeared in court charged with riding a motorbike while under the influence of drugs. One of Ilminster’s oldest residents has died aged 104...and more

A Wincanton woman who is due to give birth with her first child at Yeovil Hospital says she's been left shocked after being told the maternity unit in Yeovil is closing due to safety concerns. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has apologised for the sudden shutdown that will see the baby unit at Yeovil Hospital close on Monday for an initial period of six months. The decision follows an inspection by the Care Quality Commission that identified safety issues and staff shortages within the unit. Jem, who is 29 weeks pregnant, says at this stage, she does not know which hospital she will use to have her baby.

A South Petherton man has appeared in court charged with riding a motorbike while under the influence of drugs. Appearing before magistrates in Yeovil, Liam Kingsnorth, aged 19, of Mere Lynches in South Petherton, admitted being in possession of crack cocaine and cannabis when he was stopped by police in Martock following a car chase. Kingsnorth was also given a twelve-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work.

One of Ilminster's oldest residents, Bill Lawson, has died at the age of 104. Bill, who served in the RAF during World War Two, worked most of his life in local government and, in retirement, lived in Ilminster. He was involved with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. A Memorial Service for Bill Lawson will be held at The Minster Church on Tuesday, June 10th, at 2 pm.

Marcus Stewart has left Yeovil Town following his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The former player, and more recently Head of Player Development at Huish Park, was diagnosed with MND in 2022. In a statement, Yeovil Town thanked Marcus for his contributions on and off the pitch and said he remains a cherished part of the club's history.

Yeovil's Mayor, Tony Lock, officially opened a new baby unit at a Yeovil nursery. The addition of the unit and a new garden area is part of a major upgrade of facilities at the Happy Days Nurseries, formerly known as Yew Tree Nursery, on Forest Hill in Yeovil.

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Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more