Tuesday 1st July

Tuesday, 1 July 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A murder trial starts today of the parents of a baby boy who died in Yeovil Hospital. Somerset residents are being asked to keep an eye on elderly neighbours, with temperatures expected to reach the high 20s again today. A tiny black kitten has been found inside a crate of laundry delivered to a cleaning business in Yeovil...and more

A murder trial starts today at Bristol Crown Court of the parents of a baby boy who died in Yeovil Hospital. Daniel Gunter and Sophie Stadden, both of no fixed address, are accused of killing, or allowing the death of two-week-old Brendon Staddon. At an earlier hearing, Daniel Gunter and Sophie Staddon both entered not guilty pleas to the charges.

The first steel frames have been installed at the Agratas gigafactory site near Bridgwater, marking a milestone in the construction of the UK’s leading battery manufacturing facility. It coincides with the publication of the government’s new industrial strategy, which aims to boost the advanced manufacturing sector and accelerate the development of vehicle battery technology.

People in Somerset are being asked to keep a check on elderly neighbours as temperatures could reach the high 20s again today. An amber heat-health alert for Somerset remains in place until 6 pm today.

The Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre in Somerset says it’s been dealing with an ‘unprecedented influx’ of young falcons. The charity says the birds have been brought in for rehabilitation after being rescued from places that include construction sites, quarries, and town centre rooftops.

Mark Wylie from Calne near Bristol won this year’s Chard Town Criers competition held at the weekend. Adrian Holmes from Litchfield came second, and John Pitt from Plymouth was third. Judy and Peter Campbell, who were visiting from Australia, came top in the best-dressed couple section.

A tiny black kitten has been found inside a laundry crate at a cleaning business in Yeovil. Industrial cleaners, CLEAN, on Copse Road at Lufton, says the kitten, who’s four months old, was found curled up, cold and hungry, inside the crate. She’s now being cared for at a local vet's practice and is recovering well. If you believe the kitten belongs to you, please call Clean on 0330 818 7001.

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