Friday 23rd May

Friday, 23 May 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Ten extra maternity beds have been made available at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital following the closure of Yeovil's maternity unit. Some Glastonbury festival goers say they've been left thousands of pounds out of pocket after a glamping business was liquidated. Chard Fire Station is asking businesses to offer their buildings for fire training. The Cotley Inn, in Wambrook, has been placed on a top 10 list of the best pubs in Britain...and more.

Ten extra maternity beds have been made available at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital following the closure of Yeovil's maternity unit. The baby ward at Yeovil Hospital closed earlier this week following safety concerns raised by the Care Quality Commission. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Yeovil Hospital, says some staff have been retained to carry out antenatal appointments.

Children’s Services in Somerset is trialling artificial intelligence to speed up the time it takes to process individual cases. Parents are being consulted about the idea, which is also being tried by other councils to improve targets.

Some Glastonbury festival goers say they've been left thousands of pounds out of pocket after a glamping business was liquidated. Yurtel, based in Corsham near Bath, charged between £10,000 and £16,500 for their hospitality tickets and accommodation. Customers have been told their bookings won't be fulfilled after the company ceased trading earlier this month.

Following an inspection, a school near Chard has been described as a "beacon of love and friendship." Inspectors from the Anglican and Methodist Schools Service praised St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School at Chardstock for "living up to its foundation as a Church school" and for its inclusive environment, where those with special education needs and disabilities "thrive."

Chard Fire Station is asking businesses to offer their buildings for fire training. Each week, firefighters are required to practice various scenarios using different buildings in various locations.

The Cotley Inn at Wambrook has been placed in a top 10 list of the best pubs in Britain. The poll was based on the number of Google searches for the Cotley Inn during April.

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more