Friday 27 March

Friday, 27 March 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

There's been a big improvement in ambulance response times in Somerset. Three local people have been charged with offences linked to the theft and supply of prescription-only drugs. A fragment of a jawbone found in a cave in Cheddar Gorge appears to show that humans kept dogs as pets as far back as 5,000 years ago... and more

New figures show that people who suffered a heart attack or stroke were reached more quickly by South West Ambulance in the first two months of 2026. Response times fell by 38 minutes. In 2023, average response times for category two emergencies stood at 72 minutes. The improved performance comes despite a 22 per cent rise in demand for the ambulance service.

Three people are due to appear in court charged with offences linked to the theft and supply of prescription-only drugs in Somerset. Alastair Caines, aged 40, of Yeovil; Stuart Eales, 54, formerly of Yeovil; and Louise Larby, 41, also formerly of Yeovil, are facing conspiracy charges over supplying Class C drugs. Stuart Eales and Louise Larby also face a charge of theft of controlled drugs between May 2022 and March 2024 while working for a pharmacy. All three are due to appear at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court on 31 March.

A woman from Ilminster has appeared in court charged with preventing the lawful burial of a relative whose body was found inside a car in Cornwall. Rosemary Manders, aged 54, of Ilminster, appeared before Truro Magistrates’ Court alongside Dinah Manders, aged 88, of Exeter. Both are charged with preventing the lawful and decent burial of Glen Manders between 15 October and 19 December 2024.

A new arts festival is being held in Yeovil town centre this weekend. The Yeovil Art Weekender, organised by Yeovil Art Space, will feature events, exhibitions and creative activities for all ages.

A fragment of a jawbone found in a cave in Cheddar Gorge in Somerset appears to show that humans kept dogs as pets as far back as 5,000 years ago. It was originally thought the bone belonged to a wolf, but new investigation techniques suggest a different story.

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