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.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more