Friday 25th September

Friday, 25 September 2026 06:30

’20 Is Plenty’ is the message to drivers travelling through Langport. Chard’s Numatic manufacturing hub is marking 45 years of business with an investment of £85m into the company. Wessex Water tell us the hosepipe ban will remain across the region... and more.

’20 Is Plenty’ is the message to drivers travelling through Langport, as a new campaign comes into place in the town, inviting local businesses and residents to get involved. The message is supported by the Langport Area Business Group and is asking motorists to take extra care as they travel along Bow Street and Cheapside. Posters have been appearing in windows in the area as a friendly reminder to slow down.

Chard’s Numatic manufacturing hub is marking 45 years of business with an investment of £85m into the company. However, there have been local reports of redundancies and departments closing at the factory, with those impacted being offered alternative jobs. The site received nearly 300 visitors yesterday for a rare behind-the-scenes tour of its production line as part of National Manufacturing Day.

Wessex Water tell us the hosepipe ban will remain across the region, despite the recent rainfall in the county. The ban was put in place for the first time in 50 years following five heatwaves in the region. The water company say that whilst the rainfall has been welcome, it has not been enough to make up for the lengthy period of dry weather, although it has thanked local people for saving water over recent months as much as possible.

A Taunton Pantomime Group has raised over 2 and a half thousand pounds through a Go Fund me page to help save the Brewhouse Theatre. The charity that runs the Brewhouse confirmed earlier this week that it needs to raise over 100 thousand pounds to cover its future operating costs or risk closing at the end of October.

And a fresh warning has been issued over bread supplies across the region after Unite union members working at the Hovis’ Avonmouth site began continuous strike action yesterday. The industrial action is expected to affect the company’s deliveries to supermarkets and shops across the south west.

More from News

Thursday 8th October

Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally. Wells market has received national recognition...and more
Wednesday 7th October

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more
Tuesday 6th October

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more
Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.
Thursday 1st October

765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Wednesday 30th September

Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Tuesday 29th September

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.