Thursday 5th March

Thursday, 5 March 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Two military helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton are being sent to Cyprus to help bolster UK’s defences amid the US-Israel war with Iran. Yeovil Town Council is seeking legal advice over the closure of the hyper acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. Flood warnings have been lifted on the Somerset Levels... and more

Two military helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have been deployed on board the British warship HMS Dragon which is soon to leave for Cyprus to help bolster UK’s defences amid the US-Israel war with Iran. The Ministry of Defence says the two Wildcats from 815 Naval Air Squadron will be equipped with missiles, designed to intercept and shoot down any incoming drones aimed at UK assets.

Yeovil Town Council is seeking legal advice over the closure of the hyper acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. NHS Somerset announced its decision to shut the unit in January 2024 with patients suffering a stroke being taken for emergency treatment to the County Hospital in Dorchester or Musgrove Park in Taunton. Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has since endorsed the decision. Yeovil Town Council says it’s seeking legal advice to see what, if anything, can still be done to stop the closure going ahead.

Flood warnings have been lifted on the Somerset Levels, five weeks after they were introduced by the Environment Agency. The warnings covered Curry Moor, Hay Moor, Muchelney and the Rivers Parret and Yeo. Although now lifted, a flood alert remains in place for the area as flooding of lower lying land is still possible

A botanical artist from Somerset has had her work featured on a set of 10 stamps celebrating the beauty of roses. Marie Burke from Glastonbury designed the stamps by visiting local gardens for inspiration, including the Bishop's Palace in Wells.

Somerset Council has appointed a new chief finance director, the fifth such appointment in four years. Rachael Sanders, who's currently at Herefordshire Council, has been given the role on a permanent basis with a salary of £150,000 a year. It brings to an end employing three interim directors, the most recent costing Somerset Council £7,000 a week.

A Yeovil woman says you don't need a specialist wheelchair to break world records. Jackie Clemit has just set a new world record for the fastest half marathon completed in a non-racing wheelchair. She took on the challenge at Goodwood Circuit with the Guinness World Records now confirming that she completed it in one hour and thirty-nine minutes.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more