Monday 15th September

Monday, 15 September 2025 at 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

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
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