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

Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,
Tuesday 2nd December

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a serious assault in Wincanton. Fire crews have dealt with a house fire in the village of Pitney. Plans have been submitted to redevelop Bridgwater Docks into a cultural and tourist destination. Ilminster's annual Christmas tree festival has opened in the town...and more
Monday 1st December

New figures show that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area rose by 8% in the year to June. South Western Railway has restarted running hourly services through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne following months of disruption. Persimmon Homes South West has donated £1500 towards the running costs of Castle Cary Rugby Club...and more