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

Friday 23rd May

Ten extra maternity beds have been made available at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital following the closure of Yeovil's maternity unit. Some Glastonbury festival goers say they've been left thousands of pounds out of pocket after a glamping business was liquidated. Chard Fire Station is asking businesses to offer their buildings for fire training. The Cotley Inn, in Wambrook, has been placed on a top 10 list of the best pubs in Britain...and more.
Thursday 22nd May

Residents of Chard are being asked to be more proactive and call the local police when they spot acts of crime and anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council says its gritting teams went out 1700 times last winter, covering more than 117,000 miles and spreading 6,000 tonnes of salt to keep local roads open. Leonardo Helicopters says it will be conducting test flights over Yeovil tonight up until 10.30 pm...and more
Wednesday 21st May

Yeovil MP Adam Dance says closing the maternity unit at Yeovil Hospital is a disaster for the town. A Somerset transport company that supplies supermarkets says it’s being held to ransom by cyber hackers. NHS Somerset says 70% of people in the highest risk groups have yet to get their Covid-19 spring booster jab...and more
Tuesday 19th May

A Yeovil man says his life has improved since having a new weight loss treatment. A pub near Chard is blaming increased running costs imposed by the government for the business closing. A Somerset woman has been left with facial injuries after coming off her horse when it was spooked by a driver overtaking at speed...and more
Monday 19th May

Four thousand people have signed a petition calling for Yeovil’s maternity unit to be re-opened as soon as possible. UNISON is calling on Somerset Council to clarify how it will operate services now that hundreds of staff have been made redundant. The Bishop of Bath and Wells says he’s concerned about amendments to the assisted dying bill...and more.
Friday 16th May

A Wincanton woman, who is due to give birth with her first child at Yeovil Hospital, says she’s been left in shock after being told the maternity unit in the town is to close. A South Petherton man has appeared in court charged with riding a motorbike while under the influence of drugs. One of Ilminster’s oldest residents has died aged 104...and more
Thursday 15th May

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
Wednesday 14th May

The Labour Ward and Special Care Baby Unit at Yeovil Hospital is closing for six months following safety concerns. Chard Youth Centre says it will be heartbreaking if it has to close. The road between Ilminster and Chard at Dowlish Ford is shut to traffic again today. People in Somerset are being advised to wear sunglasses to protect their eyesight during the current sunny weather...and more