Tuesday 12th May

Tuesday, 12 May 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A member of Yeovil Town Council has appeared in court charged with two counts of assault. Health professionals in Somerset are urging people to take up the offer of a free NHS health check. Organisers of Somerset Day have welcomed the name Dunkery given to the dragon on the county flag...and more

A member of Yeovil Town Council has appeared in court charged with two counts of assault. Councillor Ashley Richards, who represents the Wyndham Ward, is accused of physically attacking two fellow town councillors during a private meeting. Appearing before magistrates, Mr Richards, of Sherborne Road in Yeovil, pleaded not guilty to both charges. The case was adjourned until March next year. He was granted bail and ordered to return to court for trial.

Health professionals in Somerset are urging people to take up the offer of a free NHS health check, after new figures showed only around a third of eligible residents are attending appointments. The NHS Health Check is offered to everyone aged between 40 and 74, provided they do not already have a diagnosed cardiovascular condition. Often described as a “midlife MOT”, the check is designed to identify early signs of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes, and to help people reduce their risk.

Organisers of Somerset Day have welcomed the official naming of the dragon on the county flag. The dragon has been named “Dunkery”, after Dunkery Beacon on Exmoor, following a public vote as part of this year’s celebrations. The team behind the event say the name reflects Somerset’s heritage and landscape.

The Saxonvale site in Frome has been placed back on the open market by Somerset Council. In January 2025, the authority announced plans to sell the 12-acre derelict site to the social enterprise Mayday Saxonvale. However, the council withdrew its offer last October, saying the group had been unable to complete the purchase due to a lack of funding.

A Somerset councillor has been granted a six-month leave of absence. Councillor Jo Roundell Greene, who represents the South Petherton division on Somerset Council, will temporarily step back from her duties. During the period, her casework will be handled by her fellow division member and the current Yeovil MP, Adam Dance.

More from News

Monday 11th May

New figures show a sharp increase in reports of drones interfering with critical air ambulance missions. The Liberal Democrats have retained the Mendip Hills seat on Somerset Council following a by-election. A woman from Chard has been recognised for her contribution to the community with an invitation to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace... and more
Friday 8th May

Police investigating a fire in Shepton Mallet are appealing for help to identify two people. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has called for more government support for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. This weekend sees the start of the Great Gardening Show at The Newt near Bruton...and more
Thursday 7th May

A disabled man has taken his case to the High Court, arguing that Somerset Council’s council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Bristol Airport says travellers planning summer holidays should not change their plans. Chard and Ilminster Amateur Boxing Club has launched a fundraising appeal,..and more
Wednesday 6th May

Pharmacists in Somerset say it's becoming difficult to get hold of some medications. The building used as Club Neo in Stars Lane in Yeovil has been put up for sale. Free gym memberships are being offered to people living with Parkinson's in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 5th May

An investigation has been launched following a suspected arson attack at Sherborne Police Station. Somerset Council is spending £2.3 million on 14 new road gritters. Ilminster Literary Festival is marking its tenth anniversary this year... and more
Friday 1st May

A Yeovil man has pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour towards two female paramedics. Police in Chard are appealing for the public’s help following a spate of thefts in the Henson Park area of the town. Pet store chain, Jollyes, is opening a new branch in Yeovil... and more
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