Tuesday 19th May

Tuesday, 20 May 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Yeovil man says his life has improved since having a new weight loss treatment. A pub near Chard is blaming increased running costs imposed by the government for the business closing. A Somerset woman has been left with facial injuries after coming off her horse when it was spooked by a driver overtaking at speed...and more

A Yeovil man says his life has improved since having a new weight loss treatment. Dave Pulford underwent a procedure in which he swallowed a balloon to help him lose weight ahead of gastric bypass surgery. He now wants to inspire others to get the life-changing treatment.

A pub near Chard is closing due to increased government-imposed running costs. The owners of the Candlelight Inn in Bishopswood say the cut in business rate relief from 75 to 40 %, the rise in the minimum wage, and the increases in employer NI contributions have all contributed to the decision to shut the pub permanently.

Police are appealing for the public’s help following an assault on the A303 between Sparkford and Wincanton. It happened at 10.50 am on Tuesday, April 1st, after two vehicles pulled into a layby following a road-related incident. Police say a man in a blue Volvo XC60 reportedly punched and threatened a man driving a white Range Rover. If you can help with dash cam footage or other information, you’re asked to please call the non-emergency number 101.

Rail passengers using Yeovil Junction, Sherborne and Crewkerne stations later this month have been told they won't notice any difference when the company that runs the trains changes hands. From May 25th, South Western Railway services will be operated by a new company, South Western Railway Ltd, as part of a planned transition into public ownership. South Western Railway says passengers will continue to see the same branding, same services, and have the same teams running their trains. All tickets will remain valid, including those booked for journeys after May 25th

A Somerset woman has been left with facial injuries after coming off her horse when it was spooked by a driver overtaking at speed. Becci’s horse, Barney, also fell and required surgery. Becci says she wants more done to educate motorists.

More from News

Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more