Thursday 29th May

Thursday, 29 May 2025 at 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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Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more