Monday 15th September

Monday, 15 September 2025 01:00

By Steve Haigh

NHS Somerset says it’s 'fully committed' to re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital, but won't say when it will reopen. Water levels at Somerset's reservoirs have dropped below 50%, despite the recent heavy rain. A charity shop in Martock has reunited a long-lost compass with its owner after he lost it 70 years ago...and more

NHS Somerset says it’s 'fully committed' to re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital. The Special Care Baby Unit, together with inpatient maternity services, was closed in May following concerns about the safety, quality and fragility of paediatric services at Yeovil Hospital. CEO of NHS Somerset, Jonathan Higman, says they’re due an update on staffing in the maternity unit in November, but won't give a date when the unit will reopen.

Water levels at Somerset's reservoirs have dropped below 50%, despite the recent heavy rain. Data from the Environment Agencies shows that currently Wimbleball, Clatworthy, Chew Valley and Blagdon reservoirs are all classed as exceptionally low.

Somerset Council says it may have to look long and hard at making more cuts to services if further government support is not provided. An overspend of 5.4m is forecast for this year, with proceeds from property sales channelled into the Council's transformation programme. A further update on the Council's spending is expected in December.

A charity shop in Martock has reunited a long-lost compass with its owner after he lost it 70 years ago. The shop found a piece of paper in a case containing the compass, saying that it belonged to David L Bruton of Leicester University. After contacting the university, the compass was returned to Mr Bruton in Oslo, Norway. It later transpired that he lost the compass while on a field trip to Somerset 70 years ago.

A Somerset charity that helps rescue hedgehogs has been saved from closure, for the time being at least. £45,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe appeal to keep open Prickles Hedgehog Rescue in Cheddar. However, the charity states that it requires £100,000 per year to operate the centre, and its future remains uncertain.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
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