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.

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