Thursday 3rd July

    Dorset County Hospital is preparing to handle an increased number of births from now until the end of the year, following the closure of Yeovil Hospital's Maternity Unit. A number of former and current serving military personnel are pursuing the Ministry of Defence for compensation. Vandals have damaged a wooden shelter at the recreation ground in Ilminster...and more

    Dorset County Hospital is preparing to handle an additional 300 births between now and the end of the year, following the sudden closure of the maternity unit at Yeovil Hospital. The Yeovil unit was shut on safety grounds in May, with expectant mothers given the choice of going to Taunton, Bath or Dorchester to give birth. Dorset County Hospital says it’s recruited midwives from Yeovil to help with the extra workload. 

    A number of former and current serving military personnel are pursuing the Ministry of Defence for compensation after developing cancer, which they claim was caused by exposure to fumes from helicopters. The aircraft involved are the Sea King, the Westland Wessex built in Yeovil, the Puma, and the CH-47 Chinook. Six claimants have settled their claims with the Ministry of Defence, who deny liability.

    Work’s underway to repair damage to a wooden shelter at the recreation ground in Ilminster. The incident occurred on Tuesday night when vandals damaged the building's woodwork. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to please call Ilminster Town Council on 01460 52149.

    Part of County Hall in Taunton is set to be converted into flats for NHS staff. The building known as C-Block was sold by Somerset Council in April for £1.7m to developers, Prime PLC, who’ve submitted plans to convert the building to 71 flats to accommodate staff at nearby Musgrove Park Hospital. 

    More from News

    • 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

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Heavy rain shower

      High: 8°C | Low: 6°C

    • Chard

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 5°C

    • Crewkerne

      Light rain

      High: 8°C | Low: 5°C

    • Somerton

      Heavy rain shower

      High: 8°C | Low: 5°C

    • Wincanton

      Heavy rain shower

      High: 7°C | Low: 6°C

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