Friday 28th August

Friday, 28 August 2026 at 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.

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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