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

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