Friday 19th December

Friday, 19 December 2025 at 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

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more