Local News Friday 5th August

    Plans to improve the look of Wyndham Street in Yeovil are to go ahead following a change of mind by members of South Somerset District Council. An investigation is being held into a fire near Ilminster in which two campervans were destroyed. Rising costs and staffing challenges are affecting small businesses in Somerset, according to the Federation of Small Businesses. Police are asking people in South Somerset to look out for a convicted drug offender...and more.

    Plans to improve the look of Wyndham Street in Yeovil are to go ahead following a change of mind by members of South Somerset District Council. The Council voted in June to abandon smartening up the pavement and changing the road layout in Wyndham Street at a cost of £770,000. Now, it’s been decided to spend £891,000 of council reserves to carry out the work. Meanwhile, at a meeting of the Council’s Executive, it was also decided to scale back on other aspects of the Yeovil Refresh programme to ensure improvements in Westminster Street, Lower Middle Street and The Borough are completed within the deadline of 2024 set by the government for payment of a £9.75 million grant from the High Steet Improvement Fund.

    An investigation is being held into a fire near Ilminster in which two campervans were destroyed. The blaze at Sea near Ilminster broke out late on Wednesday night. A barn, in which the vehicles were parked, was also destroyed. The fire service says at the moment the cause of the blaze is ‘undetermined’.

    Rising costs and staffing challenges are affecting small businesses in Somerset, according to the Federation of Small Businesses. In a new report, the Federation says business confidence is at its lowest level since the start of the pandemic. 

    Police are asking people in South Somerset to look out for a convicted drug offender. Merseyside Police have issued an appeal through Avon and Somerset Police to find Ellis Bala, who has connections with South Somerset and who is wanted on a recall to prison for breach of his license conditions. Bala, who’s 30, is described as Albanian, 6ft 1in tall, of heavy build, with dark brown shaved hair and brown eyes. If you can help the police, please call the non-emergency number 101

    Turkey producers in Somerset are warning that prices could rise this year because they're facing increasing production costs. Local turkey farmer, Colin Reasons, says a labour shortage is also adding to problems. 

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    • Monday 13th July

      Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more

    • Friday 10th July

      The inquest into the death of a sex offender has returned an open conclusion. A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county. Ilminster Arts Centre has held its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event... and more

    • Thursday 9th July

      A father who shook his baby to death has been convicted of murder. Local people at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat... and more

    • Wednesday 8th July

      NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place. A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted. Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi... and more

    • Tuesday 7th July

      Two men have been found guilty of attempted murder in Yeovil. Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious crash near Taunton. A new partnership in Somerset aims to tackle domestic abuse through the power of grassroots sport... and more

    • Monday 6th July

      A Yeovil man has been jailed after an incident in the town in March. A Frome warehouse fire last week is being treated as suspicious. The summer lifeguard service returned to Brean and Burnham on Sea at the weekend... and more

    • Friday 3rd July

      Somerset residents are being urged to be tick-aware. Children are being encouraged to pick up a book over the summer holidays. A Yeovil apprentice has been recognised for his outstanding achievement... and more

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Sunny intervals

      High: 30°C | Low: 17°C

    • Chard

      Sunny intervals

      High: 29°C | Low: 16°C

    • Crewkerne

      Sunny intervals

      High: 29°C | Low: 16°C

    • Somerton

      Sunny intervals

      High: 31°C | Low: 16°C

    • Wincanton

      Sunny intervals

      High: 31°C | Low: 16°C

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