Monday 11th March

Monday, 11 March 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A man and a woman are due in court today charged with the murder of a baby boy at Yeovil Hospital. Somerset Council is to stop providing free sandbags to homeowners at times of major flooding. Students at Holyrood Academy in Chard have been invited to perform one of their shows at the Bristol Old Vic...and more

A man and a woman are due to appear at Bristol Crown Court in connection with the death of a baby boy during an incident at Yeovil Hospital. Brendon Staddon who was just two weeks old died in Yeovil Hospital last week. Daniel Gunter and Sophie Staddon both of no fixed address have been charged with his murder and of causing or allowing the death of a child.

Communities affected by flooding will no longer be given free sandbags by Somerset Council. The move is part of a raft of cost-cutting measures at Somerset Council, with homeowners being told that it’s their responsibility to protect their properties in the event of a flood.

It’s believed that a blaze in an empty property in Crewkerne was started deliberately. The three-storey derelict house on Abbey Street went up in flames last Wednesday. A short time earlier, Police received a call from a member of the public saying that a group of youths had broken into the property. Anyone who can help Police with enquiries is asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

Keeping Somerset's streets and public toilets clean could become the responsibility of town and parish councils as Somerset Council seeks to cut costs. The Council currently has contracts with IDVerde for street cleaning and grounds maintenance, which were inherited from the four district councils upon their abolition in April 2023. Rather than extending the agreements, Somerset Council plans to bring the services in-house as the contracts expire, saving between £200,000 and £300,000 a year. But the council believes it could save even more if the services are devolved to town and parish councils - something which could lead to further rises in local council tax bills.

A Somerset-based photographer is exhibiting her photos of the 'devastating' flooding of the Levels ten years on. Matilda Temperley's photos are on display until 19th May at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury. Alongside the exhibition, a programme of events and activities is taking take place supported by Somerset Rivers Authority.

A group of students at Holyrood Academy in Chard have been invited to perform one of their shows in Bristol later this month. The Year 10 to 13 students will stage their production of Kiss, Marry, Push off a cliff, at the Bristol Old Vic on Tuesday, March 19th.

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