Friday 8th May

Friday, 8 May 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Police investigating a fire in Shepton Mallet are appealing for help to identify two people. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has called for more government support for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. This weekend sees the start of the Great Gardening Show at The Newt near Bruton...and more

Police investigating a fire in Shepton Mallet are appealing for the public’s help to identify two people. The incident happened in Collett Park on Saturday, March 21st, when a waste bin was set alight, causing damage to a café. Officers want to speak to two people captured on CCTV to help with their enquiries. Images can be viewed on the Avon and Somerset Police website. Anyone with information is asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has called for more government support for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. During a debate in the Commons, Mr Dance said funding shortages had led to reductions in some specialist services, including rope rescue and water response teams. He added that rural fire stations face additional challenges because of geography. Mr Dance said a full review of rural fire service funding was needed.

The Somerset-based defence firm SEA says the war in Ukraine has changed thinking within the defence sector. The company, based in Beckington, builds a wide range of defence equipment, including drones and undersea surveillance systems. Managing Director Richard Flitton says technology once considered unconventional in warfare has now become mainstream.

Chard Community Hub is preparing to celebrate four years of service in the town with an exhibition showcasing its work. The Hub, which began on Fore Street in May 2022 and now operates from the Boden Centre, will host the event on Saturday, May 30th. The exhibition will highlight the Hub’s impact and the support services it provides, including food assistance, wellbeing groups, and early years support.

This weekend sees the start of the Great Gardening Show at The Newt in Somerset near Bruton. The event is being held for the first time and will feature demonstrations, plant sales, food and drink stalls, and an appearance by celebrity TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh.

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