Wednesday 14th May

Wednesday, 14 May 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Labour Ward and Special Care Baby Unit at Yeovil Hospital is closing for six months following safety concerns. Chard Youth Centre says it will be heartbreaking if it has to close. The road between Ilminster and Chard at Dowlish Ford is shut to traffic again today. People in Somerset are being advised to wear sunglasses to protect their eyesight during the current sunny weather...and more

The Labour Ward and Special Care Baby Unit at Yeovil Hospital is closing for six months following safety concerns. It follows an inspection by the Care Quality Commission that found paediatric services in Yeovil required “significant improvement”. The town’s MP, Adam Dance, has criticised Somerset NHS Foundation Trust for failing to commit that maternity services at Yeovil Hospital will return to normal after the 6-month shutdown.

Chard Youth Centre says it will be heartbreaking if it has to close. The centre, which has been in existence for 70 years, plans to shut in July. The Chard Area Youth Committee says it can no longer afford to fund the youth centre.

The road between Ilminster and Chard at Dowlish Ford is shut to traffic again today. This is to allow Wessex Water to carry out essential repairs. First Bus says that because of the closure, services to Listers Hill, Kingstone Turn, Dowlish Ford, and Sea Mills are not running.

A pub in South Petherton has just missed out on winning the title: Somerset Real Ale Pub of the Year. The Brewers Arms in South Petherton was named runner-up in the Somerset CAMRA Pub of the Year 2025 competition.

A patient at St Margaret’s Hospice has had her final wish granted: having a donkey brought to her bedside. St Margaret's says Britney, the donkey, provided Jacqui with comfort after being taken to the hospice by her owner, Richard Norman.

People in Somerset are being warned to protect their eyesight during the current sunny weather. A local eye specialist is advising people to wear sunglasses in bright sunshine, as the sun can cause lasting damage.

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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
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more