Friday 2nd May

Friday, 2 May 2025 at 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.

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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