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.

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