Friday 8th May

Friday, 8 May 2026 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

Thursday 7th May

A disabled man has taken his case to the High Court, arguing that Somerset Council’s council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Bristol Airport says travellers planning summer holidays should not change their plans, despite concerns about a jet fuel shortage. Chard and Ilminster Amateur Boxing Club has launched a fundraising appeal, warning it faces an uncertain future due to rising costs...and more
Wednesday 6th May

Pharmacists in Somerset say it's becoming difficult to get hold of some medications. The building used as Club Neo in Stars Lane in Yeovil has been put up for sale. Free gym memberships are being offered to people living with Parkinson's in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 5th May

An investigation has been launched following a suspected arson attack at Sherborne Police Station. Somerset Council is spending £2.3 million on 14 new road gritters. Ilminster Literary Festival is marking its tenth anniversary this year... and more
Friday 1st May

A Yeovil man has pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour towards two female paramedics. Police in Chard are appealing for the public’s help following a spate of thefts in the Henson Park area of the town. Pet store chain, Jollyes, is opening a new branch in Yeovil... and more
Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more