Friday 7th August

Friday, 7 August 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Chard's biggest employer, Numatic International, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has announced job cuts. A new Neighbourhood Plan for Hatch Beauchamp has officially been adopted. Two historic artefacts taken from Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years ago have been returned...and more

Chard's biggest employer, Numatic International, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has announced plans that could see job losses as part of a company restructure. The firm says it's consulting with staff over proposals affecting around seven per cent of its 1,200-strong workforce. A separate consultation is also underway on changes to the company's pension scheme.

A new Neighbourhood Plan for Hatch Beauchamp has officially been adopted after residents voted in favour at a referendum. The plan, developed since 2021, sets out how much new housing the village will need up to 2040, while identifying important local facilities and green spaces that the community wants to protect. Somerset Council says the plan will now play a key role in future planning decisions.

A Somerset Royal Navy veteran and her daughter are preparing for a fundraising challenge in support of Help for Heroes. Maria Vaughan, from Templecombe, and her daughter Jill will hike 27 kilometres along the Jurassic Coast on the 15th of August to raise money for the charity.

A Yeovil company has secured a contract worth around 20 million pounds to improve fire safety in social housing across the South West. Harmony Fire will upgrade fire safety equipment and install new smart fire doors in properties managed by housing provider LiveWest.

And two historic artefacts taken from an archaeological dig at Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years ago have been returned. George Box removed the bones from the remains of an abbot, along with a medieval tile, while visiting the site as an 11-year-old schoolboy in 1956. Following his death earlier this year, his widow has returned both items to the Abbey.

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Tuesday 22nd September

Children with special needs could have a better chance of moving to a new school, without delay or disruption. A former Castle Cary pub is to be turned into a private house. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre may have to close at the end of next month... and more.
Monday 21st September

Wessex Water's contacting large businesses, asking them to use less water. A ‘serious collision’ closed a stretch of the A30 in both directions yesterday afternoon.Two Somerset charities have benefitted from a combined £64,000, thanks to the Leonardo Rising Stars.
Friday 18th September

Three people from Yeovil have been sentenced after admitting offences linked to the theft and illegal supply of prescription-only medicines. An ancient burial site on the Quantocks has been damaged. Chard Guildhall is open for public viewing today... and more
Thursday 17th September

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18,000 shoplifting offences have been recorded in the Avon and Somerset Police area in the last financial year. A Chard man has been sentenced for assaulting a police officer. Forefront Community Centre in Chard is celebrating 20 years of bringing people together in the town... and more
Wednesday 16th September

A pilot with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance says there will be 'catastrophic' consequences if laser pointers continue to be pointed at their aircraft. Plans to build forty new homes in the village of Curry Rivel have been given the go ahead. The owner of a ram called Rambo in Keinton Mandeville has thanked firefighters for rescuing him after he got stuck in a concrete pipe... and more
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