Monday 10th August

Monday, 10 August 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A local councillor claims anti-social behaviour is putting people off coming into Yeovil town centre. South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban in the Chard area. Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stuck at one of its stations... and more

A local councillor claims that begging in Yeovil town centre is on the increase following the expiry of an order banning anti-social behaviour. Opposition Conservative member of Somerset Council for Wincanton and Bruton, Councillor Tom Power, says his constituents find Yeovil a less welcoming place to shop due to begging and drinking in the street. Somerset Council has confirmed that a Public Space Protection Order banning anti-social behaviour in Yeovil town centre has now expired but says it’s working with police and other partners to address concerns about the town centre.

South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban as drought conditions continue. They supply areas of Somerset bordering Devon and Dorset, including Chard, with the majority of Somerset covered by Wessex Water, who have not yet introduced a hosepipe ban.

Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault in Yeovil. It happened when a man was attacked while walking from St Michael’s Avenue to Hawthorne Road on either Saturday the 25th or Sunday the 26th of July. If you can help the police, you’re asked to please call the non-emergency number 101.

Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stranded at Nailsea and Backwell station. Seventy-year-old Su Eccott was trying to transfer between platforms but there was no disabled access available. After waiting for more than an hour, another passenger helped her off the platform and down the stairs to the other side. GWR says it remains committed to improving accessibility at all its stations.

A Chard man has been fined forty pounds after admitting possessing cannabis. Appearing at Yeovil Magistrates Court, Jordan James, aged 26, of Dominy Close, pleaded guilty to possessing one-point-seven grams of cannabis in Chard in April.

Ilminster Town Council has shut the public toilets at the town’s recreation ground. It follows two vandalism incidents in which both the toilets and a fence around the tennis courts were damaged.

A new vineyard and wellness destination is set to open in Somerset next month. Thornfalcon Winery and Press, between Taunton and Ilminster, covers more than 40 acres and will offer food, wine and creative retreats.

More from News

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
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more
Thursday 3rd September

Fifteen thousand people have signed a petition calling on Somerset Council to cancel plans for a huge data centre in Bridgwater. A nest of Asian hornets has been found in Somerset. More patients in Somerset are set to benefit from a hospital project aimed at restoring independence... and more
Wednesday 2nd September

Yeovil-based charity, School in a Bag, has started sending supplies to Nepal to help in the aftermath of the devastating floods. 6,000 people have signed a petition opposing plans for a new relief road in Chard. The Royal British Legion in Somerset is appealing for more volunteers to help run this year’s Poppy Appeal... and more