Friday 2nd May

Friday, 2 May 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council has written to the government calling for urgent action to tackle the worsening situation of access to NHS dentistry in the county. The Mayor of Yeovil is urging people to join in with next week's celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. A Somerset father, whose daughter died suddenly aged 15 months, is starting a month of running 5k a day in her memory... and more.

Somerset Council has written to the government calling for urgent action to tackle the worsening situation of accessing an NHS dentist in the County. It follows figures from Healthwatch Somerset, in which 800 of 1100 people surveyed said they'd struggled to obtain NHS dental care in the past 12 months. The Council wants the government to deliver meaningful reforms to the NHS dental contract, which has been criticised for disincentivising care for high-need patients and pushing dentists towards private practice.

The Mayor of Yeovil, Andy Kendall, is urging people to join in with celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day next Thursday, May 8th. The Town Council and British Legion have organised an event to mark the anniversary at St John’s Church in Yeovil, starting at 4.30 pm and culminating with the lighting of beacons at St Johns and Wyndham Hill. Everyone is invited.

A Somerset church has closed due to a rise in antisocial behaviour. St John's Church in Glastonbury says the decision was "regretful" but necessary for safety reasons. However, it will remain open for services and funerals.

A Somerset father whose daughter died suddenly aged 15 months is starting a month of running 5k a day throughout May in her memory. Olivia died in 2023 of inflammation of the heart. It’s the second year Harry Foster has taken on the challenge, raising money for the '2Wish' charity.

A shop in Henstridge is helping parents by giving them essential items for their children. The Honesty Jar shop on Stalbridge Road provides school uniforms, books, shoes and toys to parents in return for donating items they no longer need.

More from News

Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more