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.

More from News

Community Headlines on Radio Ninesprings: Sunday 9th to Saturday 15th August
Thursday 6th August

A local man and convicted former neo-Nazi, selected by the Conservatives to stand in Crewkerne South in next year’s local elections for a seat on Somerset Council, has pulled out after a backlash against his candidacy. A charity that runs children's homes in Somerset is terminating its contract early following a critical report by Ofsted. A new playground and sports area is being built at Manor Court Primary School in Chard during the summer break...and more
Wednesday 5th August

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner is backing the wider use of police drones in towns like Yeovil to help tackle crime. Visitor numbers at Somerset's tourist attractions are down by around sixty per cent so far this year. A gardening expert says it'll take much more than the occasional shower to revive Somerset's parched lawns, parks and open spaces...and more
Tuesday 4th August

A Somerset doctor is calling for better community eye care. People in Glastonbury and Street are benefiting from a new bus service to Castle Cary railway station. A sailor from South Petherton is celebrating after sailing around the world... and more
Monday 3rd August

A yellow Heat Health Alert is in force across Somerset today. The swimming and leisure centre in Street remains closed following last Thursday's flooding in the plant room. Plans for a new primary school in Chard have been delayed until at least 2030... and more
Friday 31st July

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
Thursday 30th July

The Environment Agency has declared a drought across Somerset as the hot weather takes its toll on the county's water supplies. Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic accident near Crewkerne. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow...and more
Wednesday 29th July

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a series of moped thefts in Chard. A combine harvester has been destroyed in a farm fire at Forton, near Chard. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow... and more