Thursday 17th April

Thursday, 17 April 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The father of a one-month-old baby boy in Chard is to stand trial for the murder of his son. New figures show that just under 1300 crimes were reported to the Police in Yeovil during the final quarter of last year. A night in a prison cell is offered at Shepton Mallet Jail to those who want to be alone this Easter...and more.

The father of a one-month-old baby boy in Chard is to stand trial for the murder of his son. Tony Bartlett, aged 38, is accused of killing Atticus Bartlett at an address in Chard on July 23rd in 2022. Mr Bartlett was sent for trial after appearing at Bristol Crown Court where he did not enter a plea to the murder charge and was released on conditional bail.

New figures show that just under 1300 crimes were reported to the Police in Yeovil during the final three months of last year. Between October and December 2024, 1,295 incidents were recorded, with violent and sexual offences accounting for 38 per cent of the total. Cases of anti-social behaviour made up 17% of all recorded crime. Avon and Somerset Police says the increase in crime is not uncommon in towns with a growing population like Yeovil.

Work has been completed refurbishing the sluice gate at Dunball on the Somerset Levels. The improvements, which have cost ten million pounds, will help to reduce the flood risk and provide greater protection for freshwater animals.

An event has been organised in Yeovil aimed at encouraging more young people to engage with politics and register to vote. It comes after figures from the Electoral Commission show that fewer 6-out-of-10 under 34-year-olds voted in last year’s general election. The event, organised by local MP Adam Dance and with guest speakers, is being held at Yeovil College on Friday, May 9th.

Details have been announced of how the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day will be marked in Chard. On VE Day, Thursday, May 8th, the Town Crier will read a proclamation from the balcony at the Guildhall at 8 am, followed by the raising of the official VE flag at 9 am. In the evening, at around 8.15 pm, a beacon will be lit with stalls and music provided in the Guildhall, to which everyone is invited.

A main road through Isle Abbotts will be shut to traffic for four days next week. Ashford Lane will be closed from Tuesday to Friday for the National Grid to carry out essential repairs.

A weekend of special events is being held at Shepton Mallet Prison for Easter. The 400-year-old jail that closed in 2013 and is now a tourist attraction is offering guided tours, ghost trails, Easter egg competitions, and the chance to spend a night in a prison cell.

Ahead of the upcoming Easter weekend, South Western Ambulance Service is reminding people to only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency. They say to avoid putting extra pressure on the NHS, the public should choose carefully the right healthcare needed, as calling the 101 service can often be more appropriate than calling 999.

More from News

Thursday 1st May

There’s been a call for the Somerset Levels to be designated a National Landscape. A Yeovil man has raised £2,000 for a new school minibus at Fairmead School in Yeovil by running the London Marathon. Exmoor Ales, which provides cask ales across the region and beyond, is closing its Somerset brewery and moving the business to Surrey...and more.
Wednesday 30th April

The long-awaited refurbishment of Yeovil police station is finally to get underway this summer. Plans have been approved to build 185 new homes off Bunford Lane in Yeovil. Police have arrested three men in Yeovil for being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. A Somerset jockey has been named Champion Conditional Jockey of 2025...and more.
Tuesday 29th April

New figures have shown that registering as a new patient with an NHS dentist in Somerset is still just as difficult as it was six months ago. The go-ahead has been given to build 160 new houses on Station Road in Castle Cary. A sailor from South Petherton has been chosen to lead a team in the round-the-world Clipper Race...and more.
Monday 28th April

Somerset Council is being criticised for taking too long to re-open Yeovil's Octagon Theatre. The Liberal Democrats have won a seat on Chard Town Council by one vote. Dates have been announced for this year’s illuminated carnival processions in South Somerset...and more.
Friday 25th April

Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more
Thursday 24th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.
Wednesday 23rd April

Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.
Tuesday 22nd April

The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.