Friday 19th June

Friday, 19 June 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

An amber heat health alert has been issued for Somerset with high temperatures expected to continue into next week. Schools across Somerset are taking part in a pilot scheme teaching children about money laundering. Ham Hill Country Park has been recognised with a top award for its efforts to protect the countryside... and more

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert for Somerset, with high temperatures expected to continue into next week. The warning remains in place until Tuesday. Health officials are urging people to take precautions, particularly older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

The opposition leader at Somerset Council says he's disappointed after the council’s children's social services were rated as "requiring improvement" by inspectors. An Ofsted report found the service was not good enough. Consrvative opposition leader Diogo Rodrigues says more progress is needed to ensure vulnerable children receive the support they deserve.

Schools across Somerset are taking part in a pilot scheme teaching children about money laundering. Developed with support from the police, the lessons aim to help young people recognise scams and protect bank accounts from criminal exploitation. Following the Somerset trial, the programme is expected to be introduced nationally from the autumn.

Construction is underway on a major affordable housing development in Crewkerne. The Goldwell Farm scheme, located north of Yeovil Road, will provide 67 new homes through a partnership between Allison Homes South West and housing provider Abri. The development is set to deliver 100 per cent affordable housing for local residents.

Ham Hill Country Park has been recognised for its efforts to protect the countryside and improve public access. The park has received a Love Your Countryside Award from the Campaign to Protect Rural England for its project "Uncovering Ham Hill's Past for its Future", which has helped preserve local heritage and strengthen connections between people and nature.

An army corporal from Devon has been crowned Europe's Strongest Man. Rhys Calland secured the title after completing a series of gruelling strength challenges, including dragging a combined weight of almost five tonnes over ten metres and back.

And Yeovil Town have signed former Manchester United youngster Jack Kingdon from Cardiff City. The 20-year-old centre-back joins the Glovers on a one-year deal.

More from News

Thursday 18th June

Children in care in Somerset are not receiving a good enough service, according to inspectors. NHS Somerset says dental care in the county is improving for the first time since the pandemic. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is holding a topless open-water swim...and more
Wednesday 17th June

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more
Tuesday 16th June

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas has been put up for sale... and more
Monday 15th June

People in Somerset are being asked to take part in a new survey about alcohol use. Yeovil's MP Adam Dance will lead a debate in Parliament today on NHS dentistry. A Yeovil runner has been selected to represent England at a national endurance championship... and more
Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more