Friday 12th June

Friday, 12 June 2026 at 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.

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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