Monday 12th May

Monday, 12 May 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A new task force has been set up in Chard to tackle the town’s growing problem of drug crime. A barn at Hinton St George has been destroyed by fire. A Crewkerne man who raped two women over a 10-year period has been jailed. Swimmers will be able to take a late dip in Shepton Mallet Lido tonight...and more.

A new task force has been set up in Chard to tackle the town’s growing problem of drug crime. Councillor Andy Webb, who represents the Joceyln Ward on Chard Town Council, says it’ll be a partnership-based initiative dedicated to making Chard safer for everyone. In recent weeks, police have received numerous reports of discarded drug paraphernalia in the town, including around the area of Chard Reservoir.

A barn near Crewkerne has been destroyed by fire. The building containing tools and machinery in Hinton St George was completely burnt out, but no one was hurt. The fire service says it’s not known how the blaze started.

Yeovil Town's Head of Player Development, Marcus Stewart, has welcomed news of a potential life-extending drug for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The former centre forward was diagnosed with MND in 2022. Scientists say a new type of immunotherapy drug may be able to extend the lives of MND patients.

A Crewkerne man who raped two women over a 10-year period has been jailed. William Chalkley, aged 40, will serve a total of 24 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual assault offences.

One eastbound lane of the A30 Sherborne Road in Yeovil will again be closed to traffic today. This is to allow Wales and West Utilities to carry out repairs, and the road is due to reopen as normal on Thursday.

Swimmers can take a late dip in Shepton Mallet Lido tonight. The open-air pool is holding a series of full moon swims, with the first under tonight’s Flower Full Moon, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

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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