Friday 13th February

Friday, 13 February 2026 at 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.

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Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more