Friday 12th June

Friday, 12 June 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more

Somerset’s Director of Public Health says the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has helped normalise drug use among young people. Alison Bell says two incidents involving contaminated cocaine and heroin have been reported in the county in the last fortnight. She believes more action is needed to prevent children and young people from putting themselves at risk.

The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. Thirty-nine-year-old Tony Bartlett, of Axminster, denies charges of murder and manslaughter following the death of baby Atticus Bartlett in July 2022.

Natural England says phosphate pollution and sewage discharges are continuing to damage the Somerset Levels. The comments come after the Home Builders Federation claimed restrictions on new housing developments on the Levels are contributing to rising house prices. Natural England says it's working with Wessex Water to reduce sewage and phosphate discharges, but adds that housing development is only part of a much wider problem.

A local man has been sentenced for a robbery at Tesco in Chard. Taunton Crown Court heard that Christopher Dean, of Taylors Meade in Combe St Nicholas, stole meat and health and beauty products worth three hundred and fifty-five pounds from Tesco in Tapstone Lane. Dean admitted the offence and was given a two-year community order.

A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel has been replaced, two years after it was destroyed when a car crashed into the front of the building. The new pillar was supplied by Curry Rivel stonemason Luke Grafton, who says restoring the historic feature proved to be a challenging project.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more