Friday 26th June

Friday, 26 June 2026 06:30

The hottest June day on record has been recorded in Somerset. A teenage boy has been found not guilty of killing a nine-year-old girl. Tatworth Primary School has been recognised for its success in science education... and more

The hottest June day on record has been recorded in Somerset. The Met Office says temperatures reached 36.7 Celsius at Merryfield yesterday afternoon. Other locations around the county recorded similar figures.

Meanwhile, a yellow weather warning is in place for thunderstorms today, following the red heat alert over the last 48 hours. The alert is Somerset-wide and parts of the county that were affected by flash flooding earlier in the month are hoping not to see similar events this time around.

A teenage boy has been found not guilty of killing a nine-year-old girl in her home in Weston-Super-Mare. The 16-year-old, who can't be named due to his age, was on trial accused of murder and manslaughter, following the death of Aria Thorpe. A jury returned verdicts of not guilty on both charges, at Bristol Crown Court. A pathologist previously told the court that Aria died of a single stab wound to her chest on the 15th of December last year.

Housing developers should provide more money to help prevent flooding in Somerset, say the Parrett Internal Drainage Board. They’ve called for new local housing developments to receive permanent pumps, rather than relying on temporary systems. The Environment Agency is currently investing £9m into upgrading existing pumping stations across the county.

A half-day road closure is planned in Stoke-sub-Hamdon next month. The High Street will be closed from the junction with Ham Hill to allow Wessex Water to carry out works.

Teachers, alongside parents and pupils at Tatworth Primary School in Chard are celebrating, after being recognised for their success in science education. The school is one of 136 educational institutions that have achieved the Primary Science Quality Mark for a commitment to excellence in science leadership, curriculum design, teaching and learning.

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Friday 17th July

Plans have been submitted to build 30 new homes in Ashill. As the heatwave continues, a Somerset air conditioning business says demand for its services has never been higher. Morrisons has confirmed it will close its Glenthorne Avenue store in Yeovil on August 1st... and more
Thursday 16th July

Plans to build up to one hundred new homes on Yeovil's former cattle market have moved a step closer. It’s being made easier for parents in Somerset to register children for free school meals. Wessex Water says it has no plans for a hosepipe ban at the moment but is keeping a close eye on supplies as demand increases... and more
Wednesday 15th July

Bus passengers in Yeovil have been provided with easier access to the town's bus station. Firefighters are warning of an increased risk of wildfires because of the hot weather. Aldi is asking for public comments on plans to build a new food store in Chard... and more
Tuesday 14th July

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more
Monday 13th July

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more
Friday 10th July

The inquest into the death of a sex offender has returned an open conclusion. A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county. Ilminster Arts Centre has held its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event... and more
Thursday 9th July

A father who shook his baby to death has been convicted of murder. Local people at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat... and more
Wednesday 8th July

NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place. A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted. Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi... and more