Friday 29th August

Friday, 29 August 2025 at 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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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