Monday 1st September

Monday, 1 September 2025 06:00

The taps are back on in Yeovil, after large parts of the town were left without water on Friday. South Somerset is now considered the UK’s top alternative to the Cotswolds. Yeovil is gearing up for the return of its Literary Festival this October...and more.

The taps are back on in Yeovil, after large parts of the town were left without water on Friday morning due to a burst water main pipe. Wessex Water said around 15 hundred properties were affected, with bottled water being handed out to more vulnerable households.

Meanwhile, the town is gearing up for the return of the Yeovil Literary Festival this October. The event will take place across numerous locations, including Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil Library, St John’s Church and Waterstones. Star names include local author, Michael Morpurgo, novelist Sebastian Faulks and actor/ writer/ presenter Sir Michael Palin. Other confirmed names include Joanna Page from Gavin & Stacey, Sir David Suchet, Sandi Toksvig and Billy Bragg. The festival will run from Friday, October 17th, to Monday, October 27th.

South Somerset is now considered the UK’s top alternative to the Cotswolds - that’s according to the Telegraph newspaper. Our region has earned 40 out of 50 in its ranking of countryside attractions, from the Somerset Levels to Ham Hill and Hamstone. Parts of South Petherton, Martock, Barrington and Hinton St George were all highlighted as jewels in the crown, along with Burrow Hill Cider Farm and Somerset Cider Brandy Company, amongst others.

Friends and colleagues remembered former RNAS Yeovilton pilot Rhodri Leyshon at the weekend. Rhodri died last September when he crash landed into the sea off the Dorset coast. Two teams played a game of rugby at Cardiff Arms Park, raising money for Wales Air Ambulance. As he was a talented rugby player, those who knew Rhodri felt the event would be a fitting tribute.

More from News

Thursday 30th October

Bird flu has been found at a nature reserve in Somerset, closing part of it down. St Margaret’s Hospice in Somerset is calling for the hospice sector to be given more central funding. The Barrington Boar in Barrington has been placed 12th in The Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain... and more
Wednesday 29th October

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mobile home near Yeovil. Somerset Council is suggesting people turn their pumpkins into soup this Halloween. People in Yeovil have until Sunday to comment on controversial plans to sell off four car parks in the town centre... and more.
Tuesday 28th October

Plans have been submitted to build 12 new homes in Chard. A nursery in Yeovil has been rated ‘overall good' by Ofsted. A Somerset mortgage broker has achieved national recognition. A stretch of the M5 at Wellington will be shut every night this week...and more
Monday 27th October

The Unite union has announced four days of strikes by its members at Leonardo in Yeovil. One of Yeovil’s busiest roads is closed to traffic today. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard raised £3,000 taking part in a Sleeping Ruff challenge at the weekend...and more
Friday 24th October

New figures show that 500 young people were either injured or killed on roads in Somerset and Devon last year. The Old School Community Centre in Queen Camel has reopened, thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Somerset Freemasons. Two Fleet Air Arm engineers based at RNAS Yeovilton have recreated a family moment from 26 years ago...and more
Thursday 23rd October

Yeovil-born actress Sarah Parish is supporting efforts to reopen the Octagon theatre. Mobility scooter campaigners in Somerset have welcomed a government review of the legislation governing the use of mobility scooters on public highways. Changes are being made to the dates when garden waste is collected in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 22nd October

A major house builder in the South West says government targets for new house building in Somerset are 'unrealistic'. Pizza Hut is closing its restaurant in Yeovil. Staff at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard will be taking part in a ‘Sleeping Ruff’ challenge tomorrow...and more .
Tuesday 21st October

Reckleford in Yeovil is to shut for 15 days for essential drainage works. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has paid out compensation of £23 million for claims related to birth injuries. A Grade II listed building in Glastonbury has been converted into a health and wellbeing centre...and more