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

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