Monday 13th October

Monday, 13 October 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is urging people to join a campaign for improved support for children with dyslexia. An opposition Conservative member of Somerset Council says businesses will suffer a ‘terrible blow’ if plans go ahead to sell off five Yeovil town centre car parks. A Yeovil man has been jailed for three years... and more.

Yeovil MP Adam Dance is urging people to join a campaign for improved support for children with dyslexia. It’s part of a new national campaign calling on the government to listen directly to those with lived experience of dyslexia and other neurodivergent traits. Mr Dance, who is dyslexic himself, says it's important that children with dyslexia are better supported.

An opposition Conservative member of Somerset Council says businesses will suffer a ‘terrible blow’ if plans go ahead to sell off five Yeovil town centre car parks. As part of a masterplan for Yeovil town centre, Somerset Council has identified Court Ash and North Lane car parks, Glovers Walk, Stars Lane, and Box Factory car parks as suitable for residential development. Councillor Lucy Trimnell, who represents Bruton on Somerset Council, says closing the car parks, with the loss of 600 parking spaces, will deter visitors and local people from using Yeovil town centre. Somerset Council is due to decide on the plans before the end of the year.

A Yeovil man has been jailed for three years and ordered to repay the £ 300,000 he received from selling stolen farm machinery. Appearing at a Proceeds of Crime hearing at Bristol Crown Court, Harry Hollowell, of Jellicoe Road in Yeovil, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods he’d bought following burglaries at farms in Sedgemoor and building sites in Cardiff.

A roadshow offering practical advice on staying warm at home this winter will visit Yeovil on Thursday, October 30th. The charity is staging it, Thrive, with help from Abri, Wessex Water, and community organisations at St Peter’s Hall on Coronation Avenue.

Somerset Council has revealed that £33 million was spent on employing agency staff and consultants over the last three years. It follows the decision to cut 555 full-time jobs, and the Council needs temporary staff to fill key roles in adult social care and planning.

More from News

Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,