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 7th August

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
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...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