Friday 19th June

Friday, 19 June 2026 at 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.

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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