Monday 27th July

Monday, 27 July 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Gooch and Housego, based in Ilminster and one of the town’s biggest employers, has been sold in a multi-million-pound deal to an American private equity firm. A father who shook his four-week-old baby to death at a house in Chard has been sentenced to life in prison. A doctor who works for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is one of five people to have jointly set a new world record for rowing around Great Britain... and more

Gooch and Housego, based in Ilminster and one of the town’s biggest employers, has been sold in a multi-million-pound deal to an American private equity firm. The company, which specialises in the design and manufacture of precision optics and systems used in aerospace and defence, has been acquired by Greenlight Bidco Limited, a newly formed company owned by Maryland-based Arlington Capital Partners. In a statement, the new owners say they have no plans to move Gooch and Housego’s headquarters or alter its operational role in Somerset.

Nearly one in four motorists stopped by police in Avon and Somerset during a drink and drug driving campaign linked to the World Cup was arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving offences. Operation Limit ran throughout the three-week tournament, with officers carrying out proactive patrols across the force area.

A father who shook his four-week-old baby to death at a house in Chard has been sentenced to life in prison. Appearing for sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, 39-year-old Tony Bartlett, from Axminster, was said to have caused severe injuries to his baby son Atticus during the incident at his mother’s home in Chard in 2022.

The chief executive of Britain’s biggest defence company says the public does not fully appreciate the risks facing the country. Charles Woodburn, chief executive of BAE Systems, says the threat facing the UK is the highest he has seen in his lifetime. He welcomed the government’s announcement of increased defence spending but said much more needs to be done.

A doctor who works for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is one of five people to have jointly set a new world record for rowing around Great Britain. Felix Wood and four others completed the challenge of rowing around the British coastline in 32 days, 30 minutes and 58 seconds.

Two Somerset reservoirs have been classed as having exceptionally low levels, with a further six said to be notably low. Blagdon and Wimbleball are both below sixty percent full. Wessex Water has not imposed a hosepipe ban, but is asking people to use water more carefully.

More from News

Friday 24th July

Avon and Somerset Police are warning people to watch out for scammers posing as Amazon. The CEO of the company that provides Somerset's recycling is warning of a major incident if people continue to put used batteries in waste bins. A former Yeovil pub could be demolished to make way for a major hotel expansion.
Thursday 23rd July

The West Country is officially one step closer to being declared in drought. Somerset Council says it's remodelling its service after a children's home was closed following an inspection. A new McDonald's planned off the M5 at Bridgwater could create up to 120 local jobs... and more
Wednesday 22nd July

Two men have been jailed for stealing electrical items and cash from a property in Yeovil. Somerset Council has defended its use of Yeovil’s new performance area in The Triangle, in Lower Middle Street. Tintinhull Primary School, near Yeovil, has won a top national award for outdoor play... and more
Friday 17th July

Plans have been submitted to build 30 new homes in Ashill. As the heatwave continues, a Somerset air conditioning business says demand for its services has never been higher. Morrisons has confirmed it will close its Glenthorne Avenue store in Yeovil on August 1st... and more
Thursday 16th July

Plans to build up to one hundred new homes on Yeovil's former cattle market have moved a step closer. It’s being made easier for parents in Somerset to register children for free school meals. Wessex Water says it has no plans for a hosepipe ban at the moment but is keeping a close eye on supplies as demand increases... and more
Wednesday 15th July

Bus passengers in Yeovil have been provided with easier access to the town's bus station. Firefighters are warning of an increased risk of wildfires because of the hot weather. Aldi is asking for public comments on plans to build a new food store in Chard... and more
Tuesday 14th July

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more
Monday 13th July

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more