Thursday 11th December

Thursday, 11 December 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

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

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack on another man in Wincanton. Arthur O'Brien, aged 33 from Knowle in Bristol, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm and being in possession of an offensive weapon. The charges relate to an incident on Wincanton High Street on Sunday, November 30th. Mr O’Brien was remanded in custody and will next appear in court on Friday, January 9th.

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. Michael Dunk was one of several Just Stop Oil activists who climbed gantries on the M25 in November 2022 to demand an end to new fossil fuel projects. Somerset Council says Councillor Dunk’s disqualification from holding office does not take effect immediately upon conviction, but only applies after the period for lodging an appeal has expired or, after the conclusion of the appeal, he is unsuccessful. They say Councillor Dunk will remain a member of the authority until he either resigns or decides not to appeal his conviction.

A woman with MND is criticising Somerset Council over the time it takes to access applications for disability facility support grants. Nicky Jones says she’s been waiting more than six months for the Council to fit adaptations to her home. She says the application process for disability facility grants isn’t working and needs to change.

NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year. Under the changes, Yeovil Hospital will retain its acute stroke provision but from mid-2026 all hyper-acute stroke patients, who would have been treated in Yeovil, will be taken to either Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton or Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, whichever is closer.

A Taunton man has completed 12 marathons in 12 months in memory of his mother. Peter Dunlop finished the year-long challenge this month in tribute to his mother, Jane, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2017. Peter raised £24,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK by completing the 12 marathons.

More from News

Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more