Wednesday 30th July

Wednesday, 30 July 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The fire service says they still don’t know what caused Monday’s major shop fire in Yeovil. A safeguarding review is being carried out into the case of Daniel Gunter, who was found guilty at Bristol Crown Court last week of murdering his two-week-old baby son at Yeovil Hospital. National convenience store chain, Costcutter, has taken over the empty YMCA charity shop in Middle Street in Yeovil for a new store...and more

The fire service says they still don’t know what caused Monday’s major shop fire in Yeovil. It happened at the premises of Blaze Away in Beer Street, causing extensive damage to the terrace property. Fire crews from seven towns spent more than 10 hours putting out the flames, with Beer Street and Seaton Road closed to traffic for most of the day.

A safeguarding review is to be carried out following the case of Daniel Gunter, who was found guilty at Bristol Crown Court last week of murdering his two-week-old baby son at Yeovil Hospital. Brendon Staddon died of multiple injuries while in the special care baby unit at Yeovil Hospital in March last year. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust says the review will "thoroughly examine all the circumstances”.

Plans to open a new NHS diagnostic centre in Bridgwater have moved a step closer. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has been approved to construct the facility next to Bridgwater Community Hospital. The centre will provide a range of services, including two CT scanners and two MRI scanners, and is due to open next summer.

Giant sunflowers grown from seed by children at Herne View Primary School in Ilminster have gone on display in the town. As part of the Sunflowers of Somerset project, the children have built a bed of sunflowers in the Minster churchyard.

National convenience store chain, Costcutter, has taken over the empty YMCA charity shop in Middle Street in Yeovil for a new store. Costcutter is currently advertising for staff to work in the new store, which is due to open in September.

The Three Horseshoes pub in Batcombe has been shortlisted for a South West Pub of the Year Award. Also shortlisted is The Acorn Inn at Evershot. To vote in this year’s competition, go to the Food Lifestyle magazine website.

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Tuesday 13th January

The Government says it won’t bring forward a decision on buying new helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels. Yeovil’s temporary police station on Horsey Lane is to close at the end of the month....and more
Monday 12th January

Leonardo is threatening to shut its Yeovil factory. Somerset Community Foundation says there's still time to donate money to its Surviving Winter Appeal. The Swan Theatre in Yeovil is staging a number of special performances to mark its 50th anniversary...and more.
Friday 9th January

A Yeovil man has been arrested and then de-arrested after a collision in Dorset. A Somerset food manufacturer could be expanding its Wincanton base. A new dementia-friendly choir has been launched in Yeovil...and more.
Thursday 8th January

Adam Dance MP is welcoming developments in his campaign to support neurodivergent schoolchildren. Somerset was the star of the small screen last night, thanks to BBC comedy ‘Can You Keep A Secret’. A Yeovil gymnastics club has hosted a VIP guest...and more.
Wednesday 7th January

Somerset's Lib Dem MPs have described a one per cent rise in Council funding as 'profoundly disappointing'. A new independent cinema will open next month in Wincanton. We’re facing the chance of heavy snow with Storm Goretti hitting the region on Thursday...and more.
Tuesday 6th January

The Poundland chain has confirmed its store closures, including one of the Yeovil branches next Friday. Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been awarded an OBE for her outstanding contribution to rugby. Nearly one hundred new low-cost homes could be coming to South Chard...and more.
Monday 5th January

A woman has been cut free from her car after a four-vehicle collision in Montacute. Devon and Somerset fire crews have been praised for their bravery, following the summer wildfires. More new homes are set to be built in Martock, following approval from Somerset Council...and more.
Wednesday 24th December

A formal planning application has been made to carry out significant improvements to Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre, costing £15 million. The Halifax Bank in King George Street in Yeovil could be converted into 17 flats. A new young people’s centre opens in Chard early in the New Year...and more.