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

Friday 17th July

Plans have been submitted to build 30 new homes in Ashill. As the heatwave continues, a Somerset air conditioning business says demand for its services has never been higher. Morrisons has confirmed it will close its Glenthorne Avenue store in Yeovil on August 1st... and more
Thursday 16th July

Plans to build up to one hundred new homes on Yeovil's former cattle market have moved a step closer. It’s being made easier for parents in Somerset to register children for free school meals. Wessex Water says it has no plans for a hosepipe ban at the moment but is keeping a close eye on supplies as demand increases... and more
Wednesday 15th July

Bus passengers in Yeovil have been provided with easier access to the town's bus station. Firefighters are warning of an increased risk of wildfires because of the hot weather. Aldi is asking for public comments on plans to build a new food store in Chard... and more
Tuesday 14th July

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more
Monday 13th July

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more
Friday 10th July

The inquest into the death of a sex offender has returned an open conclusion. A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county. Ilminster Arts Centre has held its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event... and more
Wednesday 8th July

NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place. A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted. Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi... and more
Tuesday 7th July

Two men have been found guilty of attempted murder in Yeovil. Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious crash near Taunton. A new partnership in Somerset aims to tackle domestic abuse through the power of grassroots sport... and more