Wednesday 18th March

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 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.

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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