Tuesday 21st October

Tuesday, 21 October 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

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

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. The eastbound carriageway, between Goldcroft and Sherborne Road, will close from Saturday, October 25th, until Saturday, November 8th. An alternative route will be available to motorists.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Yeovil Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, has paid out £23 million in compensation for claims related to birth injuries in the past 5 years. According to figures provided by Medical Negligence Assist, 56 claims were lodged, with 29 being settled. The data follows the announcement that an investigation is to be held into maternity services at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

A man from Chard has appeared in court charged with intentional strangulation. Appearing at Taunton Crown Court, Darren Wilkinson, aged 24, of Holyrood Street, pleaded guilty to committing intentional strangulation in February this year. Wilkinson was also charged with failing to comply with the notification requirements of the sex offenders register.

There was a sharp rise in reports of sexual offences in Avon and Somerset last year, with Yeovil experiencing its highest number of reports since 2022. The figures, collected by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice, show that 7,652 rape and sexual offences were reported to Avon and Somerset Police in 2024. Yeovil received the highest number of reports, with 559 offences recorded in 2024.

A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre. St Dunstan's House will provide a venue for community activities, access to health and wellbeing advice and support for local groups.

Major roadworks on the M5 at Junction 26 for Wellington start this week to tackle flooding. National Highways is investing £5.9 million in improving drainage to avoid flooding on the verges and the carriageway. A 50mph speed limit is in place until February, with some overnight closures planned over the next four months.

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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