Friday 19th December

Friday, 19 December 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Crewkerne Community Hospital is to lose half its inpatient beds. A review will be conducted of a project to make Bridgwater more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. Chard Methodist Church is offering residents a free lunch on Christmas Day. Yeovil-based Screwfix is opening a new outlet in Minehead...and more.

The number of inpatient beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital is to be halved from April next year. The reduction in bed spaces is part of a trial that will expand outpatient services, including chemotherapy, diagnostic tests, and specialist clinics.

A review is to be held into a project to make Bridgwater more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, which local traders say has halved footfall in town. Hundreds of local people have signed a petition against the new one-way system at East Quay and Salmon Parade. But Cllr Mike Rigby from Somerset Council says early data from the review suggests the change to a one-way system is working.

The ringleader of an organised crime group operating across the South West has had a previous jail sentence extended. 30-year-old William Free from Taunton will now serve another six years behind bars after admitting to supplying cocaine, ketamine and cannabis while released under investigation.

Chard Methodist Church is offering local residents a free Christmas Day Lunch. The invitation is open to everyone, regardless of religious connection, and is particularly aimed at people who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone.

The High Sheriff of Somerset, Janet Montgomery, has returned to her old school to wish the staff and children a Happy Christmas. While at North Cadbury Church of England Primary School, Mrs Montgomery shared in the Advent festivities and switched on the school’s Christmas lights.

Yeovil-based Screwfix is opening a new outlet in Minehead. Somerset Council has granted planning permission for a vacant unit at Vennlands Business Park to be converted into a new Screwfix store. Screwfix says opening the store in Minehead will create up to 12 new jobs.

More from News

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