Friday 28th August

Friday, 28 August 2026 06:30

An organisation that investigates loan sharks has opened a branch in Taunton. Free parking on Sundays in Somerset's main towns could end just before Christmas. Local communities in and around Draycott will be able to take advantage of a shuttle bus service... and more.

An organisation that investigates loan sharks has opened a branch in Taunton - offering support for victims. The England Illegal Money Lending team is based at the Priorswood Community Centre. They say 1.7 million people are in debt to a loan shark in the UK.

Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police's Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) has seized cryptocurrency and cash assets worth more than £1 million. The specialist investigation resulted in the forfeiture of Bitcoin, other crypto assets and funds held in a bank account with the combined value of over £1 million. This is the largest cryptocurrency seizure by Avon & Somerset Police since the introduction of crypto wallet freezing orders in the spring of 2024.

Free parking on Sundays in Somerset's main towns could end just before Christmas. The Somerset Parking Review and Charging Principles Framework is intended to bring a fair approach to parking fees in the county, ironing out disparities in practice between different towns. The new tariffs for each car park could be introduced in December with all car parks on a sliding scale of fees depending on location and usage. There will be no changes in the short-term to free car parks or current on-street parking arrangements.

Local communities in and around Draycott will be able to take advantage of a shuttle bus service whilst the A371 is closed for essential gas mains work next month. Wales and West Utilities is relaying the mains supply and will need to close the road while the work is carried out from this Tuesday 1^st September to Sunday 11th October. The shuttle bus service will make sure that residents are able to get to schools and colleges, access healthcare and other essential services, in line with the existing public transport network, linking Draycott to Wells and Cheddar.

With another bank holiday weekend ahead, a reminder that there will be no recycling or rubbish collections on bank holiday Monday. All collections will take place one day later than usual next week. If opening on a Monday is part of a Recycling Site’s opening days, then it will be open as usual from 9am to 6pm.

More from News

Thursday 27th August

A 21 mile stretch of the M5 is to be given a 50mph speed limit for three years. Chard remains a safe place to work, live and visit say Avon & Somerset Police. Sunflowers of Somerset is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a photography competition and community activities... and more.
Wednesday 26th August

Two people have been arrested and released under investigation after the death of a baby in Crewkerne. A large sand picture of the prime minister has appeared in Burnham On Sea. The wet winter and hot summer means cider producers are struggling with their yields... and more.
Tuesday 25th August

Fire crews have been dealing with a fire in Ilchester which broke out yesterday afternoon. Somerset’s frontline health services say heatwaves and tourism are making their jobs more difficult. A Chard health store has been named Natural Lifestyle Retailer of the Year.. and more.
Monday 24th August

The Chair of the NFU has repeated calls for a longer-term plan to tackle bluetongue, Three men have been jailed for their involvement in car key burglaries in Somerset. Police say they’re treating a fire in Norton Fitzwarren as suspicious... and more.
Friday 21st August

Adam Dance MP has added his voice to those criticising this week’s Channel 4 documentary on ADHD. Visitors can now explore more of Ham Hill with a new off-road mobility scooter hiring scheme. Young people are being encouraged to join the Ilminster Carnival children’s procession... and more.
Thursday 20th August

Castle Cary railway station’s makeover has been officially unveiled. A new 18 million pound diagnostic centre in Bridgwater has opened. A Crewkerne teenager has been named ‘coach of the year’ for his work with Bristol City.... and more.
Wednesday 19th August

The fire service in Somerset has issued a plea for the public to take every precaution to prevent wildfires. Plans have been approved for Numatic International to install one-thousand solar panels on roof of their Chard factory. Somerset fast bowler, Jake Ball, has signed a new one-year contract that will keep him at the club for the 2027 season... and more
Tuesday 18th August

People across Somerset are banned from today from using hosepipes to water gardens, clean windows or cars, or fill swimming and paddling pools. More cases of the potentially deadly livestock disease Bluetongue have been confirmed in Somerset. Work is underway to improve disabled access at Holyrood Academy in Chard... and more