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 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more