Friday 22nd August

Friday, 22 August 2025 at 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

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