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

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more