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 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more