Wednesday 1st July

Wednesday, 1 July 2026 at 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

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