Tuesday 14th January

Tuesday, 14 January 2025 06:00

Police are appealing for witnesses after two people died in a car crash near Shepton Mallet. A new passing loop could be introduced on the rail line between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill stations. St Margaret’s Hospice has thanked the public for making this year’s Christmas Tree Recycling project their most successful ever...and more

The Chief Medical Officer at NHS Somerset says the decision to close Yeovil Hospital's hyperacute stroke unit and move it to Taunton is designed to give patients better care. Dr Bernie Marden’s comments come as a Yeovil man treated for a stroke locally has questioned the decision that’s expected to be implemented next year. When that happens stroke patients in Yeovil will be taken for emergency treatment to Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital or Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester. Steve D'Arcy, who suffered a stroke in 2019 at the age of 36, says he owes his life to the hyperacute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital.

Police are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage after two people died in a car crash near Shepton Mallet. It happened on the A361 near Cranmore on Sunday afternoon at around 4 pm. The two people who died were travelling in the same car. Two others in a second vehicle were taken to hospital but their injuries are not thought to be life-changing.

A new passing loop could be introduced on the rail line between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill stations. The scheme that would allow for one train each hour to travel in each direction between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill has been identified for funding by the transport body, the Western Gateway, to boost the region’s economic performance and make rail transport easier for passengers.

Members of the public are being asked to help Somerset Council find sites for development, as part of a new local plan being drawn up for the County. The sites will be used for various development projects, including the creation of pitches for gypsies and travellers. The ‘Call for Sites’ encourages landowners and developers, to submit land they would like to be considered for development.

A pharmacist in Yeovil says this year the NHS was late starting the winter flu jab campaign. Ioannis Klappas says previously the jab was offered in September. But this year, it wasn’t until October that it became available.

St Margaret’s Hospice has thanked the public for making this year’s Christmas Tree Recycling project their most successful ever. 150 volunteers working across all of Somerset collected 2,000 trees for recycling in the first days of January, raising £32,000 in donations for St Margaret’s.

The animal charity Rushton Dog Rescue has opened a fundraising shop in Chard. Rushton Dog Rescue is an animal sanctuary that tries to ensure every dog has a good quality of life. The new shop is on Holyrood Street in Chard.

More from News

Monday 15th September

NHS Somerset says it’s 'fully committed' to re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital, but won't say when it will reopen. Water levels at Somerset's reservoirs have dropped below 50%, despite the recent heavy rain. A charity shop in Martock has reunited a long-lost compass with its owner after he lost it 70 years ago...and more
Friday 12th September

One of Somerset's most prominent horse trainers says planned tax increases on remote betting could be a ‘nail in the coffin’ for horse racing. An Ilchester man has been arrested in connection with a burglary in West Dorset. Somerset Council’s Chief Executive and other senior officers have been given a 3.2% pay rise...and more
Thursday 11th September

A bill put forward by Yeovil MP Adam Dance, calling for better awareness of pupil neurodivergent behaviour in schools, has passed its first reading in the Commons. Around 40 thousand people in Somerset could have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Dozens of bikers will take to the roads in Somerset this weekend in support of a breast cancer charity...and more
Wednesday 10th September

Yeovil Town Football Club has been given a two-year extension to buy back Huish Park from Somerset Council. A takeaway business in Bridgwater has been stripped of its licence after three employees were discovered working there illegally. A company in South Chard has been celebrating its 200th anniversary...and more
Tuesday 9th September

People are being asked to comment on proposals to introduce Sunday charges at Somerset Council-run car parks. A Pilton man has been jailed after cannabis valued at £28,500 was found at his home. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has started an appeal to raise £1 million...and more.
Monday 8th September

Farmers in Somerset will be driving their tractors to protest at Labour’s annual Party Conference in Liverpool later this month. A Somerset animal rescue centre says it’s dealing with a surge in the number of large dog breeds being surrendered or rehomed. The George Inn in Ilminster has announced that it will be reopening to customers on Monday, September 15th...and more
Friday 5th September

A large water leak in Yeovil closed part of Middle Street last night whilst repairs took place. A Somerset MP has been voicing his concerns over warnings of future flood dangers in the county. The Wincanton branch of Lidl could be demolished to be replaced with a bigger store...and more.
Thursday 4th September

A new leisure complex on the edge of Yeovil will be built, after plans were approved by Somerset Council. Landmarks across the south-west will be illuminated from Monday to mark Air Ambulance Week. YAOS are hoping to trace passengers stranded at Gander Airport in Newfoundland after the 9/11 attacks...and more.