Friday 12th September

Friday, 12 September 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

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

One of Somerset's most prominent horse trainers, Joe Tizzard, says government plans to increase taxes on remote betting could be a ‘nail in the coffin’ for horse racing. It follows this week’s historic strike by British Horse Racing in protest at the planned tax rises.

An Ilchester man has been arrested in connection with a burglary in West Dorset. The man, who’s 28, was detained by officers from the Dorset Police Rural Crimes Team in connection with several thefts in West Dorset. He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Somerset Council’s Chief Executive, Duncan Sharkey, and other senior officers have been given a 3.2 per cent pay rise, backdated to April. Mr Sharkey’s earnings will rise from £200,870 a year to £213,500 a year. Earnings by Executive directors at Somerset Council will rise to £158,670 a year.

A contractor has been appointed to refurbish Yeovil Police Station. Avon and Somerset Police say TCi (GB) will carry out the modernisation of the building on Horsey Lane. A new vehicle workshop will be built to replace the existing on-site facility. A new external staircase will also be constructed so the station complies with modern fire safety standards. No date has been given for when the work will start.

A community choir in Chard is appealing for new members. 'Meeting Voices' practice in the Guildhall on Wednesday nights. Prior experience or the ability to read music is not required to become a member of the choir.

Somerset-based ready meals producer, Charlie Bigham, has been thanked for helping to tidy up land alongside the Strawberry rail line near Wells. Every Friday, Charlie Bingham employees trim hedges, clear paths, and pick up litter along a 10-mile stretch of the converted railway track. The Strawberry Line Society says help of this kind is vital to keeping trains running on the line.

More from News

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.
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.