Friday 31st July

Friday, 31 July 2026 at 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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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