Wednesday 18th March

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

The murder of a two-week-old baby by his father at Yeovil Hospital could not have been predicted, according to a new report. A road in Ilminster is to close to traffic for eleven days later this month. A new Post Office counter is to open in Somerton... and more

The murder of a two-week-old baby by his father at Yeovil Hospital could not have been predicted, according to a new report. Daniel Gunter, aged 27, was jailed last October for killing Brendon Staddon in 2024, after inflicting what the jury heard were "catastrophic" injuries. A report by the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership into the incident said that despite Gunter's documented history of domestic abuse and the involvement of social services, it was not enough to limit access to his son.

Fewer new walking and cycling routes will be introduced in rural areas of Somerset over the next four years. The warning follows Somerset Council’s decision to spend £16 million on highway improvements in urban areas but only £1.6 million delivering new rural walking and cycling routes up to 2030. Speaking at a meeting of the council’s Executive, Councillor Ros Wyke said 49 per cent of Somerset’s population live in rural areas and the new local transport plan for Somerset would ignore a large number of residents.

A road in Ilminster is to close to traffic for eleven days later this month. Love Lane will be shut along its entire length from the junction with East Street from Monday, March 23rd to Thursday, April 2nd. The closure is to allow Network Plus to carry out new connection works on behalf of National Grid.

The government has announced funding of £90 million to build fifteen new flood defence schemes in Somerset. £59 million will be spent delivering a new tidal barrier in Bridgwater Bay. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency is expected to soon announce the permanent installation of pumps on the Somerset Levels.

A new Post Office counter is to open in Somerton. The new service at Stationery House in the Market Place launches on Tuesday May 5th and will open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm and Saturday 9.30am to 4pm.

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