Friday 5th September

Friday, 5 September 2025 at 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

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