Thursday 5th March

Thursday, 5 March 2026 at 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.

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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