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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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.
Wednesday 3rd September

Yeovil’s MP, Adam Dance, will introduce his first Bill to Parliament next week, proposing dyslexia screening. The 2025 Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan referendum has won a massive majority in the town. Chard residents are being encouraged to report crime and antisocial behaviour...and more.
Tuesday 2nd September

An ex-Somerset MP who quit politics after allegations of sexual misconduct has died suddenly. The A378 in Langport has now reopened after extensive work. Crewkerne’s annual Charter Fair, which can be traced back to Saxon times, returns this weekend...and more.
Monday 1st September

The taps are back on in Yeovil, after large parts of the town were left without water on Friday. South Somerset is now considered the UK’s top alternative to the Cotswolds. Yeovil is gearing up for the return of its Literary Festival this October...and more.
Friday 29th August

The Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town. A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down... and more.