Thursday 29th May

Thursday, 29 May 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has secured an adjournment debate in Parliament to discuss the sudden closure of Yeovil's maternity unit. The Royal Bath and West Show 2025 opens today. The go-ahead has been given to demolish the Crispin Shopping Centre in Street and build a retirement complex in its place...and more

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has secured time in the House of Commons to discuss the decision to close the maternity ward at Yeovil Hospital. An Adjournment Debate will be held next Tuesday, June 3rd when Mr Dance will direct his concerns to the relevant government minister. Mr Dance says he’ll be pressing for the baby ward to re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.

A charity that runs Chard Youth Centre says it's working with Chard Town Council to find ways to keep it open. Earlier this month, the Chard Area Youth Committee announced that the Youth Centre would no longer be financially sustainable and would shut down in July. A steering group has now been formed, with the Town Council as a member, to explore ways to fund the centre and secure its future.

The Royal Bath and West Show 2025 opens today at the showground near Shepton Mallet. The South West’s largest agricultural event takes place at a difficult time for the farming sector. Chief Organiser Carol Paris says that despite the challenges faced by farmers, entries have held firm this year, and many new events have been added to the show.

The go-ahead has been given to demolish the Crispin Shopping Centre in Street and build a retirement complex in its place. It follows an appeal by developers, Churchill Retirement Living, and the Planning Inspectorate, which overturned Somerset Council’s decision to reject the scheme. Churchill Retirement Living states that the site will be cleared by the end of the year, with building work set to commence in early 2026.

A Yeovil nursery has received a positive rating from Ofsted. Little Discoveries Nursery, on Stiby Road, was found to be 'Good' in all areas during a recent inspection. The inspection report highlighted that children are "happy, safe, and secure" and that "staff provide stimulating activities, contributing to children's development and learning in all areas of the curriculum."

The Ilminster Literary Festival has announced the winners of its 2025 children's writing competition. In the five to seven age section, Alvin Brunt from St Bartholomew's Church of England Primary School was declared the winner. Rosie George from Hinton St George Church of England Primary School won the 8-11 age category. The 8-day-long festival kicks off today with talks by Vernon Bogdanor and Imogen Corrigan.

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Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more