Friday 21st November

Friday, 21 November 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A public inquiry is being held into plans to build a large solar farm in the village of Wayford. Fire crews have put out a small blaze at Tesco in Ilminster. Canadian firm KDC One is closing its Wellington factory, putting dozens of jobs at risk. It's Ilminster's turn to switch on the Christmas lights tonight... and more.

A public inquiry is being held into plans to build a large solar farm in the village of Wayford, between Chard and Crewkerne. Greentech Invest UK Ltd plan to develop the solar farm on 64 acres of farmland off Chard Lane in Wayford. The applicant claims it will provide 19,000 megawatts of renewable electricity, enough to power 5,000 homes. The public inquiry is scheduled to begin over four days on February 10th.

Fire crews have put out a small blaze at the Tesco store in Shudrick Lane in Ilminster. The cause has been traced to an electrical fan in a plant room, which is thought to have overheated and caught alight. The outbreak, which happened at around 9.30 am on Wednesday, was quickly brought under control by crews from Chard, Martock, Crewkerne and Ilminster. No one was injured.

Police are looking for a man with links to Somerset in connection with a serious assault on a woman in Devon. Tobias King, aged 36, lives in Teignmouth, but police say he could be in Chard or Yeovil. They want to question him in connection with an incident in Honiton on November 8th. King is described as around 6ft tall with short blond hair and a beard. Police say he could be seeking work on building sites.

The government has awarded a £600,00 grant to improve the regulation of so-called micro-providers of care services in Somerset. The Somerset Cares Alliance says the money will be used to develop new systems to safeguard staff and clients.

Canadian firm KDC One is closing its Wellington factory, putting dozens of jobs at risk. In October, the cosmetics firm claimed it wanted to expand in the UK and Europe. But this week, KDC One has confirmed it is closing its Wellington factory and shifting production to Scotland, citing manufacturing-related factors.

It's Ilminster's turn to switch on the Christmas lights tonight. The event starts with market stalls and other attractions in the town centre, starting at 1.30 pm, with the lights switched on at 7 pm.

More from News

Friday 30th October

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