Friday 13th February

Friday, 13 February 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council has dropped plans to close two town centre car parks in Yeovil. A Yeovil man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was attacked in her home. The Environment Agency has committed to reviewing its water management of the Somerset Levels following the recent floods... and more

Somerset Council has dropped plans to close two town centre car parks in Yeovil. Both the Court Ash and North Lane car parks had been identified for new housing in a masterplan for Yeovil town centre. At a meeting of Somerset Council’s planning and transport committee, it was agreed to remove the car parks from the masterplan as ‘opportunity sites’. The Stars Lane, Box Factory and South Street car parks, however, remain in the plan for potential development. 5,000 people had signed a petition opposing the shutdown of the Court Ash and North Lane car parks.

A Yeovil man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was attacked in her home. Appearing before local magistrates, Colin Thorne, aged 32, was charged with the attempted murder of a woman at an address in the West Hendford. Mr Thorne was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Taunton Crown Court on Monday, March 9.

The Environment Agency has committed to reviewing its water management of the Somerset Levels following the recent floods. The EA says it’s working with the Drainage Board and Somerset Council to develop a new management plan. The Environment Agency has been criticised for not acting quickly enough during the current flooding emergency to install pumps on the Levels.

A new funding scheme has been launched to maintain traffic-free walking and cycling routes on the National Cycle Network in Somerset. The Love Your Network grant is being offered by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. The National Cycle Network is a 12,000-mile network of signed paths and routes for walking and cycling.

And, if you’re looking for a romantic night out to mark Valentines Day, a charity Valentines Ball is being held at Yeovil Rugby Club, organised by the Jones Building Group. The event, with a two-course meal and live entertainment will raise money for the Jones Building Group’s chosen charity, Children’s Hospice South West.

More from News

Thursday 12th February

The government says it's ‘working flat out’ to arrive at a decision on ordering a new medium lift helicopter with Leonardo in Yeovil. We’re being asked to suggest where new electric vehicle charge points should be installed in Somerset. A new project is inviting people to look up and help map Somerset’s night skies... and more
Wednesday 11th February

Somerset Council has been told it can’t raise council tax by more than 5 percent. Businesses in Somerset are being warned to watch out for fake £20 notes. A Martock man has successfully completed a parachute-ski jump off the top of Mount Snowdon.
Tuesday 10th February

Eye operations in Somerset have been cancelled, due to a private company running out of NHS funding to provide the surgery. A local MP is calling for the permanent installation of pumps on the Somerset Levels to reduce the flood risk. A £3 million pound project has begun to refurbish the grand organ at Wells Cathedral... and more
Monday 9th February

Multiple flood alerts and warnings remain in place across South Somerset following the weekend’s heavy rainfall. Work starts today repairing a sinkhole on Station Road in Castle Cary. A business in Crewkerne is closing after 50-years trading in the town... and more
Friday 6th September

Leonardo has announced a major deal to build helicopters in India. Campaigners trying to set up a new bus link to Castle Cary railway station from Glastonbury say they need 150 thousand pounds of council money. A community event is being held in Chard for charities and service providers to showcase their activities.... and more
Thursday 5th February

The NHS in Somerset is the first in the country to trial an online self-referral service for breast cancer. The MET office has confirmed that January was the wettest in Somerset since 2014. The MET office has confirmed that January was the wettest in Somerset since 2014... and more
Wednesday 4th February

Somerset Council is asking the government for extra funds to pay for the damage caused by Storm Chandra. There’s been a setback to the campaign to reopen Chinnock Hollow. The Telegraph newspaper has named the Barrington Boar at Barrington in a list of the top 50 best pubs in the UK... and more
Tuesday 3rd February

Five flood warnings remain in place in Somerset covering the rivers Parrett, Yeo, Northmoor and Saltmoor. Somerset Council says it has no plans to demolish a derelict listed building near Chard Leisure Centre. A Yeovil farm shop has been honoured at a national awards ceremony... and more