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 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more