Monday 18th August

Monday, 18 August 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack in Yeovil. Women in Street and Glastonbury are being encouraged to take part in a scheme to highlight unsafe areas to walk alone. A Nottinghamshire man, on a pub-crawl around Britain to help boost the pub trade, is currently visiting pubs in Somerset...and more.

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack in Yeovil. It happened when a car burst into flames in Goldcroft at around 7 am last Friday. Police say the vehicle was left completely burnt out and would like to hear from anyone with information, including CCTV footage that would help their inquiries. If you can help, please call the non-emergency number 101.

People who live in the area served by Yeovil Town Council are being asked for their views on paying more in Council Tax to fund the re-opening of the Octagon Theatre. Letters are being sent out this week asking households if they would be prepared to pay around 22 pence extra every week to fund Yeovil Town Council borrowing £3.3 million to pay towards upgrading the Octagon. The consultation is open until September 21st, with drop-in sessions being held at Westlands Entertainment venue on August 28th and September 3rd.

Women in Street and Glastonbury are being encouraged to take part in a scheme to highlight areas where it's unsafe to walk alone. Rose Green is a Neighbourhood Police Inspector and is involved in the Walk and Talk Scheme, which pairs women who feel unsafe when out walking with female police officers.

Efforts are underway to find new foster families in Somerset, with the number of children in care outweighing the number of carers. Somerset Council says they currently have over 600 children 'being looked after' but have only 150 carers. Next month, a series of information sessions is being held, including one in Street, for those interested in becoming foster parents.

A Nottinghamshire man, on a pub crawl around Britain, is currently visiting pubs in Somerset. Dale Harvey started the Great British Pub Crawl three years ago to give a boost to the pub trade, as so many pubs are closing. Dale has so far visited 7,000 pubs nationwide.

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