Tuesday 12th May

Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at 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

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