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

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more