Monday 24th August

Monday, 24 August 2026 at 06:30

The Chair of the NFU has repeated calls for a longer-term plan to tackle bluetongue, Three men have been jailed for their involvement in car key burglaries in Somerset. Police say they’re treating a fire in Norton Fitzwarren as suspicious... and more.

The Chair of the National Famers Union, Tom Bradshaw, has repeated calls for a longer-term plan to tackle bluetongue, a disease that predominantly affects sheep and cattle and is spread by midges. It’s reported that there are currently over 300 cases on Exmoor, with another two thousand being investigated nationally. With bluetongue’s spread made worse by the recent hot weather, DEFRA has said they are looking at bringing more testing sites online, and have denied there are any vaccine shortages.

Three men have been jailed for their involvement in car key burglaries in Somerset. Dylan Morgan, 23, of Dickenson Road, Weston-super-Mare, Thomas Maguire, 19, of Bristol Road, Tarnock, and George Ruja, 19, of Church Street, Highbridge, were sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Friday 14th August. The charges relate to several reported incidents in locations including Burnham-on-Sea, Weston-super-Mare and Glastonbury between March and May.

Police say they’re treating a fire in Norton Fitzwarren as suspicious. Crews were called to a large field fire on Friday afternoon with six fire appliances tackling the blaze. Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses and asking anyone with information to contact them on 101.

The Quedam Centre’s former Iceland store could be repurposed as a family entertainment centre, following a planning application to Somerset Council. High Score Arcades Ltd. have proposed rebuilding the business units with arcade and skill-based games, saying the new attraction could bring visitors back to the town centre, provide local jobs and support surrounding businesses.

The annual Seagull Screeching Contest returned to Weston-super-Mare this weekend. It’s the second time the event has been held in the town.12 year old Cooper Wallace, the two-time European Seagull Screeching Champion was the head judge.

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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