Wednesday 23rd July

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council is planning to open twelve new Special Educational Needs units in mainstream schools. Yeovil Hospital is participating in a trial that could revolutionise the treatment of sepsis within the NHS. A 55-acre site in Chard, with plans approved to build 295 homes and a new football ground, has been put up for sale...and more

Somerset Council plans to open twelve new Special Educational Needs units in mainstream schools, starting in September. The move could save the Council £17m over the next five years. Somerset Council says the motivation for the move is not financial.

Yeovil Hospital is participating in a trial involving patients in critical care that could revolutionise the treatment of sepsis within the NHS. Sepsis, often referred to as blood poisoning, occurs when the body overreacts to an infection, causing damage to organs and tissues. While antibiotics are essential in their treatment, excessive use can lead to serious side effects and antibiotic resistance. The trial is looking at whether a five-day course of antibiotics is sufficient to treat sepsis safely.

A 55-acre site in Chard, with plans approved to build 295 homes and a new football ground, has been put up for sale. The land at Mount Hindrance comprises of three fields between the Blackdown Heights development and Cuttiford’s Door.

Greggs is advertising for staff to work at its new shop in Chard. A variety of roles are available at the Tapstone Road outlet, which is set to open in October.

A hoard of 2,584 historic silver pennies, discovered in Somerset by metal detectorists, is set to go on display locally. Known as the Chew Valley Hoard, the coins date from just after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and depict both the defeated King Harold II and the triumphant William the Conqueror. The Chew Valley Hoard is due to go on display at the Museum of Somerset next summer.

The Somerset branch of The Campaign for Real Ale has launched its 2025 Pub Trail, featuring 50 pubs across the County. The trail covers a wide area, from the New Inn at Wedmore to the King’s Head in Crewkerne.

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more