Friday 29th August

Friday, 29 August 2025 06:00

The Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town. A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down... and more.

The newly appointed Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Rachel Shields has spent two decades policing in Northern Ireland. Avon and Somerset Police has seen a decline in its public trust and confidence over the last few years but a recent inspection found a number of improvements including neighbourhood policing and crime prevention.

Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town earlier this month. The gas pipe work in the Old Town area has led to a road closure around the junction of Mill Lane and looks set to be closed for a number of weeks. Wales & West Utilities say the work needs to be undertaken to ensure the safety and reliability of the gas supply.

Meanwhile, a bakery in the town has permanently closed. Mortimer’s on Fore Street is now pointing customers to the nearest store in Crewkerne.

A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down. Philip Vaux based in South Petherton reckons he will lose 30 percent of his crops due to the hot weather and not being able to irrigate. The Met Office this week revealed provisional data that shows the UK had its hottest summer on record. Philip says in the past they've been able to sell at higher prices to make up for losses but not-so these days.

And continuing the potato theme, Yeovil Town player Josh Sims has received a sack of spuds in celebration of scoring the first league goal of the season. It used to be a club tradition, but died out. Now it's been revived by a local greengrocer to help celebrate the Glovers's 130th anniversary.

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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