Thursday 6th February

Thursday, 6 February 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a one-month-old baby boy in Chard. Kingfisher Primary School in Yeovil has been highly praised by Ofsted. Somerset Council says it’s “extremely disappointed” after its bid to form a devolved Wessex group of local councils was rejected by the government...and more.

A man has been charged with the murder of a one-month-old baby in Chard. Tony Bartlett, of St Andrews Drive in Axminster, was appearing at Bristol Crown Court. Bartlett was given conditional bail and told to return to court on April 16th for a plea and trial preparation hearing. (story courtesy of BBC News).

Ofsted highly praised Kingfisher Primary School in Yeovil following an inspection in December. The school, which has 264 pupils and is part of the Preston Primary Academy Trust, was commended for its commitment to excellence, academic achievement, personal development, and student leadership.

A Yeovil man, who left an abusive voice message on an MP’s phone, has been given a suspended prison sentence. Appearing at Taunton Magistrates Court, Thomas Mearing, aged 26, pleaded guilty to a public communications offence relating to a voicemail left for the Bradford West Labour MP, Naz Shah, in November 2023. Mearing was given a twelve weeks prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, together with a five-year restraining order banning him from contacting the MP. (story courtesy of Chard and Ilminster News).

Avon and Somerset Police is putting up its share of the council tax by 5 per cent. It’ll mean a typical Band-D property will pay £293.20p in council tax to Avon and Somerset Police from April – a £14 increase on last year. Revenue from the council tax accounts for 43 per cent of Avon and Somerset Police’s overall budget, with the remainder sourced by central government.

Somerset Council says it’s “extremely disappointed” after its bid to form a devolved Wessex group of local councils was rejected by the government. The four councils that make up the Wessex region, had submitted a proposal that would have seen them working together on strategic issues like transport, the environment and economic development. In a statement, the leaders of Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Bournemouth and Poole councils say the government’s decision not to include them in the Devolution Priority Programme could mean that the Wessex region will miss out on essential government funding.

A new health walk initiative has started in Chard. Organised by the Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership it involves people joining together for a lunchtime walk in a local open space. The first walk, aimed at encouraging people to take more exercise, was held yesterday in Snowdon Park.

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