Monday 10th August

Monday, 10 August 2026 at 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 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