Thursday 9th July

Thursday, 9 July 2026 06:30

A father who shook his baby to death has been convicted of murder. Local people at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat... and more

A father who shook his four-week-old baby to death has been convicted of murder following a trial at Bristol Crown Court. Tony Bartlett, aged 39, of Axminster, caused severe injuries to his son Atticus during an incident at the family home in Chard. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals and neighbours, the boy could not be saved. Bartlett will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 24^th July.

People in Langport ,Bridgwater and Chard who are at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is the first in the country to proactively contact people who are at risk to offer a quick test that could catch oesophageal cancer before symptoms appear.

Two garden designers from Somerset are hoping a new RHS flower show will help them raise awareness of multiple sclerosis. Michael Leech from Somerton and Gavin Moth from Langport have designed a garden for RHS Badminton, which opened in Gloucestershire yesterday.

Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat. An amber heat warning is in place until 9pm on Sunday. Bristol Water says there is very little shade around the reservoir and warns the water can be dangerous. The company says the move is designed to protect visitors and reduce pressure on emergency services.

And 30 young professionals in the county are set to be recognised through a new award scheme. Somerset Chamber of Commerce has launched the Somerset Future 30 Awards, recognising young professionals under the age of 30 who are making an impact locally. Entries are now open and nominees must be aged 30 or younger and either employed or self-employed with a Somerset-based organisation.

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