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

Wednesday 16th July

A children’s play area in Ilminster has been closed on safety grounds after badger setts were found on the land. Somerset Council sold off £90m of property assets last year to help fight off bankruptcy. Crewkerne Community Hospital could be turned into a neighbourhood health centre...and more.
Tuesday 15th July

The fire service has blamed a discarded portable barbecue for starting a blaze at Ham Hill Country Park. A care home for people with autism and complex needs in Crewkerne has been rated 'good'. A seven-year-old Yeovil boy has set a new world record for completing the most number of consecutive sit-ups for his age group...and more
Monday 14th July

Somerset Council is warning motorists against scanning QR codes at its car parks payment meters. Chard Town Council is spending £10,000 on short-term youth provision over the summer months. Former Yeovil Town player Marcus Stewart says he wants to continue raising money towards finding a cure for motor neurone disease...and more.
Friday 10th July

A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.
Thursday 10th July

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.
Wednesday 9th July

Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.
Tuesday 8th July

Adam Dance, MP has challenged the Government over a "failure to tackle rising levels of child poverty" in South Somerset. A man in Chard has been evicted from a property in the town. Temporary changes are being put in place at Yeovil Bus Station... and more
Monday 8th July

Avon & Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses after a collision between a car and a house in Stapleton. A Yeovil man has run 31 miles from Ham Hill to Lyme Regis for Yeovil's 'The Hub'. A family feast is coming to Chard as part of the Somerset Food Trail Festival...and more