Friday 5th September

Friday, 5 September 2025 06:00

A large water leak in Yeovil closed part of Middle Street last night whilst repairs took place. A Somerset MP has been voicing his concerns over warnings of future flood dangers in the county. The Wincanton branch of Lidl could be demolished to be replaced with a bigger store...and more.

Yeovil has been facing its second mains water issue in a month. Wessex Water closed Middle Street yesterday between Old Station Road and Newton Road to carry out urgent repairs after a large leak. It’s thought around 100 residents have been affected, with Wessex Water setting up a bottled water station on Earl Street, and vulnerable customers receiving deliveries direct to their door.

A Somerset MP has been voicing his concerns over the warnings we shared last week of future flood dangers in the county. The Environment Agency announced in August that it was stopping maintenance on smaller rivers and streams to focus on larger stretches, where the flood risk is greater. But Bridgwater MP, Sir Ashley Fox, told the Commons it was a dangerous move, saying his constituents were concerned that without proper maintenance, the county would see the return of 2013/14 levels of flooding. In response, the Leader of the Commons, Lucy Powell, said ministers would look at it and provide a response, and are determined that the Environment Agency and others are held to account for the actions they take.

The Wincanton branch of Lidl could be demolished to be replaced with a bigger store. The supermarket has made a formal planning application to Somerset Council, with the plans also on show in the store itself. It’s thought the expansion would mean additional jobs, a state-of-the-art store, and a drive-thru unit. The old building would remain open for trade for the majority of the building works, although it would need to close entirely for a few weeks as the plan came to fruition.

The Ferne Animal Sanctuary are putting the final preparations in place for their 31st annual dog show this Sunday. The charity’s 72-acre site near Chard will be the venue for a day out catering for dogs and owners alike. Alongside the contests, there will be an agility course, a sit-and-stay challenge and ‘Temptation Alley’ to test the bond between owners and their dogs.

More from News

Thursday 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more