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

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