Wednesday 1st July

Wednesday, 1 July 2026 06:30

An independent report has made recommendations for maternity services in the county. A Templecombe man who strangled and pressurised his victim has been jailed. Two people have been hospitalised after a collision on the A303... and more.

Families are calling for a full public inquiry into NHS maternity care in England, after an independent report concluded that services, including here in Somerset, were not fit for now or the future. The review, led by Baroness Amos, makes eight recommendations, including the appointment of a maternity commissioner. The report did however say that families experienced care from ‘kind and compassionate’ midwives. Investigators visited 12 trusts - including Somerset NHS Foundation Trust which runs Musgrove Park in Taunton and Yeovil District Hospitals.

A Templecombe man who strangled and pressurised his victim to change her Police statement has been jailed for two years and three months. Ross John McFadyen was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday after being found guilty of intentional strangulation and perverting the course of justice.

Two people have been hospitalised after a car reportedly overturned on the A303 near the Podimore roundabout yesterday morning. The incident occurred around 9am and brought traffic to a halt for a period. An ambulance took the two patients to Yeovil District Hospital.

The former Amulet Theatre in Shepton Mallet could be restored for community use after a six year battle over plans to turn the building into new homes ended in defeat for the developer. The original application in 2020 proposed turning the theatre into seven flats, with a retail unit. The theatre closed in 2011 and the ‘Buy The Amulet’ group hopes to bring the venue back to regular use.

A summer concert in Drayton is showcasing local talent while helping a church fundraising project. Two village musicians will perform original songs at St Catherine’s Church as part of its “Raise the Roof” appeal - with storytelling and local history also featured. The event is to raise money to replace part of the church’s roof and help preserve the building.

More from News

Tuesday 30th June

New data shows the South West has the highest childhood vaccination coverage in England. Somerton now has a post office - four years after the previous one closed. Leonardo in Yeovil are advising local residents of evening flying taking place... and more
Monday 29th June

Somerset Council’s Executive is being asked to approve a major SEND investment package. Taunton Brewhouse has reached its twenty thousand pound fundraising target. A crash on the M5 northbound at the weekend caused 75 minute delays for drivers... and more
Friday 26th June

The hottest June day on record has been recorded in Somerset. A teenage boy has been found not guilty of killing a nine-year-old girl. Tatworth Primary School has been recognised for its success in science education... and more
Thursday 25th June

MP Sarah Dyke, has called for more money to help better equip schools in future heatwaves. The A361 near Glastonbury shut yesterday, after a gritter caught fire. A night at the opera is coming to Yeovil and Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 24th June

Somerset Council has activated its ‘Severe Weather Emergency Protocol’. Many schools are closing their doors for 48 hours. Great Western Railway is advising essential travel only... and more
Tuesday 22nd June

Police have appealed for information following an incident in Yeovil. The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning. Somerset Council in inviting locals to have their say on how the county could change in the future... and more
Monday 21st June

Somerset Council is set to lose tens of millions of pounds from selling off properties. Hundreds of people gathered at Glastonbury Tor to mark the summer solstice. The police and crime commissioner has expressed her support for a social media ban for under 16s.... and more
Friday 19th June

An amber heat health alert has been issued for Somerset with high temperatures expected to continue into next week. Schools across Somerset are taking part in a pilot scheme teaching children about money laundering. Ham Hill Country Park has been recognised with a top award for its efforts to protect the countryside... and more