Friday 22nd August

Friday, 22 August 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Six hundred parking spaces could be lost in Yeovil town centre if plans to build new homes on public car parks go ahead. The Environment Agency is to stop maintaining some rivers and streams in Somerset to save money. People in Somerset are being warned about a scam involving fake communications from the tax authorities...and more

Six hundred parking spaces could be lost in Yeovil town centre if plans to build new homes on public car parks go ahead. Somerset Council has identified the Court Ash and North Lane car park, the Glovers Walk car park, the car park next to the former Wilko store on Middle Street, the Stars Lane car park and the Box Factory car park for residential development. The Council says closing the car parks and using the land for building will deliver 300 new homes. A consultation on the proposals will be launched at an event at Super Saturday in Yeovil on September 20th.

The Environment Agency is to stop maintaining some rivers and streams in Somerset to save money. The EA says the work, which includes removing overgrowth, doesn't have a big enough impact on flood prevention to make it financially viable.

People in Somerset are being warned about a scam involving fake communications from the tax authorities. HMRC says fraudsters are targeting individuals with fake refund offers in an attempt to steal personal information. They’re urging people completing tax returns to stay alert to scam emails and texts offering fake tax refunds.

Taunton Crown Court is likely to remain closed for some considerable time. During the repair to the building, further structural damage has been uncovered that will delay its re-opening until July next year.

A Chard family are hosting a charity event in memory of their father. The Warren family have held coffee mornings in memory of Guy Warren every year since 2016, raising money for Macmillan. This year’s coffee morning is being held at Chard Guildhall on Saturday, September 13th, with actor Martin Clunes making a guest appearance.

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Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more