Wednesday 29th January

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

New mums in Somerset could soon be offered a cervical screening test six weeks after giving birth. Police are asking for help in finding a Yeovil man wanted on recall to prison. The government has given half a million pounds towards planting more trees in Somerset, including 100 new trees in Yeovil...and more

New mums in Somerset could soon be offered a cervical screening test six weeks after giving birth. At the moment, women are offered a test 12 weeks after childbirth. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust says if testing at six weeks proves accurate, it could save lives.

Police are asking for help in finding a Yeovil man wanted on recall to prison. Wayne Shortland, aged 41, is described as white, 6 feet tall, of medium/slim build. with brown eyes, and short greying hair. He has a scar on his left hand. Police say Shortland should not be approached and that if you know of his whereabouts, to call 999.

The government has given half a million pounds towards planting trees in Somerset. The funding has been secured through the Urban Tree Challenge and will be spent planting 700 mature trees, including 100 in Yeovil at Oak Tree Park, Yew Tree Park, and Milford Park.

Work has started building a new outside seating area at the rear of the William Dampier pub in Lower Middle Street in Yeovil. The William Dampier, run by JD Wetherspoons, is currently closed and is due to re-open on Tuesday, April 8th.

Police have released images of a man they want to speak with in connection with a burglary near Ilminster. Jewellery was taken in the break-in at a house on Peasmarsh Farm Lane in Peasmarsh on Boxing Day. Photos of the man can be viewed on the Avon and Somerset Police website. If you recognise the man or, have any information that could help the police, you’re asked to please call the non-emergency number 101.

We’re being asked to get outside and start counting different species in our gardens, parks and from our windows. It’s to contribute to the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, which is the biggest public wildlife survey held in the UK.

Moolham Lane in Ilminster from the junction with Greenway to the junction with Kitchill Lane North will be closed to traffic on Friday. It’s to allow for Openreach to carry out pole testing works.

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