Thursday 27th November

Thursday, 27 November 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A new NHS dentist in Chard will start seeing its first patients next Tuesday. The go-ahead has been given to install five new lighting and CCTV columns on Milfield Road in Chard. Work is to start in January, replacing ageing traffic signals at the A39 junction with Clarks Village in Street...and more

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has welcomed news that a new NHS dentist will open in Chard next week. One Smile Dental will run the practice and plans to see its first patients on Tuesday. The registration process is due to restart before the end of the week, following higher-than-expected demand for appointments.

Symphony Healthcare Services is streamlining the way it runs its seven GP surgeries in our area. At the moment, Ilchester Surgery, Martock Surgery, and the Buttercross Health Centre in Somerton operate on separate contracts to Symphony’s four other GP practices in Crewkerne, South Petherton, and Stoke-sub-Hamdon. Symphony managing director Kerry White says from January, all seven practices will operate under one contract, enabling their medical teams to use a shared medical record system to provide more efficient patient care.

The go-ahead has been given to install five new lighting and CCTV columns on land in Milfield Road, in Chard. The site, owned by Numatic, is used for employee and visitor parking.

A date’s been announced for the start of work replacing ageing traffic signals on the A39 junction with Clarks Village in Street. Somerset Council says six sets of traffic lights spanning the intersection need to be renewed because they are more than 30 years old. The work will start on January 5th and last for up to 16 weeks. The road between Westway Roundabout and Street Roundabout will also be resurfaced, with a new path for cyclists and pedestrians added.

Yeovil Town’s new manager, Billy Rowley, has appointed Darren Simpson as his assistant. Simpson worked closely with Rowley during their time together at Walton and Hersham. Both will be in the dugout for the first time when Yeovil host Boston United at Huish Park on Saturday.

The finalists have been announced for this year’s Turnip Prize, held in Somerset every year, as a spoof of the Turner Prize, celebrating the silliest artwork made with the least amount of effort. Amongst this year’s finalists is a crushed beer can called ‘Bitter and Twisted’.

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