Wednesday 14th May

Wednesday, 14 May 2025 at 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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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