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.

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Wednesday 17th June

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more
Tuesday 16th June

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas has been put up for sale... and more
Monday 15th June

People in Somerset are being asked to take part in a new survey about alcohol use. Yeovil's MP Adam Dance will lead a debate in Parliament today on NHS dentistry. A Yeovil runner has been selected to represent England at a national endurance championship... and more
Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Thursday 11th June

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
Wednesday 10th June

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
Tuesday 9th June

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.