Friday 26th September

Friday, 26 September 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Lloyds Banking Group has announced that it is closing its Halifax branch in Yeovil. Avon and Somerset Chief Constable, Sarah Crew, is calling on the public to stand firm against hate. A helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton has been involved in tracking a Russian warship over the English Channel...and more.

Lloyds Banking Group has announced that it will be closing its Yeovil branch of The Halifax. Lloyds Bank, by the War Memorial on the High Street, will be unaffected by closures being made across the country. The Halifax will close on January 12th,2026.

Avon and Somerset Chief Constable, Sarah Crew, is calling on the public to stand firm against hate. She's a signatory to an open letter, also signed by council leaders, asking for calm, following an incident in which a 9-year-old girl was shot with an airgun in Bristol in a racially motivated attack. Sarah Crew says people are scared to go about their daily lives for fear of being attacked on the streets, which is not acceptable.

A helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton has been involved in tracking a Russian warship as it crossed the English Channel. The Wildcat was scrambled to support HMS Iron Duke in following the Russian vessel as part of a NATO-led operation last week.

Pharmacy chain Jhoots, which has unexpectedly shut all its outlets in Somerset, has been accused of failing to provide patients with their medication and not paying its staff. In a statement, Jhoots says it's actively engaging with staff, partners and other stakeholders. But one former employee in Somerset claims she's owed thousands of pounds in unpaid wages.

A key flood defence in Somerset could be upgraded to cut the risk of flooding at places further inland. The Somerset Rivers Authority wants to widen Highbridge Clyce as part of mitigation measures to reduce the flood risk upstream from the River Brue.

A carpenter from Somerset has been chosen to carry out repairs at Britain's scientific base in Antarctica. Jo Oliver from Wedmore is part of a team of tradespeople travelling to Antarctica to help 'future-proof' buildings at Port Lockroy against the effects of climate change.

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