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.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more