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

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more