Thursday 15th May

Thursday, 15 May 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has been asked to intervene in the decision to close the maternity ward at Yeovil Hospital. A man who lives in Winsham near Chard has been given a suspended prison sentence for breaching his sex offender notification requirements. Plans have been submitted to convert Dolphin House in Yeovil into 18 residential units...and more

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has been asked to intervene in the decision to close the maternity ward at Yeovil Hospital. The sudden shutdown, which takes effect next Monday and that will initially last six months, follows an inspection by the Care Quality Commission that found safety risks within the paediatric department at Yeovil Hospital. The issue regarding the decision to shut the unit was raised in the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s questions by Yeovil MP Adam Dance. After the unit closes, expectant mothers will have to travel to the County Hospital in Dorchester, the Royal United Hospital in Bath or Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton to give birth.

The family of a Yeovil man is asking for the public’s help in finding him. Ciaran King, aged 22, who also goes by Ciaran Lucas, was reported missing on Boxing Day. He’s described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with tattoos on both arms and his neck. If you know of Ciaran’s whereabouts, you’re asked to please call the non-emergency number 101.

Plans have been submitted to convert Dolphin House in Yeovil into 18 residential units.. Dolphin House in Hendford adjoins a mid-terraced property and Yeovil’s Masonic Hall. Each units will consist of one bedroom, a living room/kitchen space, and a shower room.

A man who lives in Winsham near Chard has been given a suspended prison sentence for breaching his sex offender notification requirements. A court in Yeovil was told that Christopher Reynolds had used a fake name to exchange messages on the networking app Grindr. Reynolds, aged 63, of Davies Close, Winsham, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with his notification requirements. He was sentenced to 16 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months on condition that he does not commit any further offences.

Several care homes in Somerset are to trial a new type of alarm system to help reduce falls. The Nobi smart lighting system will be installed at four care homes and is designed to immediately alert carers when a resident falls to ensure assistance is got to them as quickly as possible.

Whites fish and chip shop in Chard has been named Chard and Ilminster News Fish and Chip Shop of the Year. Whites, on Boden Street, was the public’s pick as the best fish and chip shop in South Somerset in the Chard and Ilminster News poll. Palmer's Fish and Chips in Yeovil, and Vincent’s Fish Bar in Ilminster came joint runners-up.

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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

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Tuesday 20th January

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