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.

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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