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 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