Friday 31st July

Friday, 31 July 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says July has been its busiest month ever for emergency calls. Police have recovered a 1970s Austin Mini pick-up stolen in Shepton Mallet. A specialist spinal injuries service at Yeovil Hospital has treated three hundred patients in its first year... and more

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says July has already become its busiest month for emergency calls in the past decade, as prolonged hot and dry weather continues to increase the risk of fire. Crews have responded to more than five thousand three hundred incidents over the last four weeks – more than five hundred above the previous record for a single month. Firefighters attended seven hundred and fifty-six fires, averaging twenty-eight call-outs a day, with almost two-thirds involving outdoor blazes. The service is urging people not to light fires or barbecues on open land to help prevent potentially devastating wildfires.

Police have recovered a distinctive 1970s Austin Mini pick-up stolen in Shepton Mallet earlier this month. The green vehicle was taken, along with tools and photographic equipment, from premises on the Crowne Trading Estate on the fifteenth of July. Following information from a member of the public, officers located the Mini in the Bedminster area of Bristol before returning it to its owner.

A specialist spinal injuries service at Yeovil Hospital has treated three hundred patients in its first year. The outpatient clinic, which opened in May last year, is the first spinal service to be based at the hospital for a generation. Consultant spinal surgeon Alex Goubran says he hopes the development will eventually lead to spinal surgery being offered at Yeovil Hospital.

Bridgwater's Elise Thorner won the silver medal in the women’s 3000 metre steeplechase at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 25-year-old ran the race of her life to finish almost two seconds faster than her previous personal best.

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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