Friday 27 March

Friday, 27 March 2026 at 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

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