Thursday 9th July

Thursday, 9 July 2026 at 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.

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Friday 30th October

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