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

Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,