Monday 28th July

Monday, 28 July 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A boat used for sightseeing trips on the River Parrett at Langport has sunk after being vandalised. A union representing firefighters in Somerset says former retained staff are missing out on pension payments. Thirty-nine new affordable homes are to be built in Merriot...and more

A boat used for sightseeing trips on the River Parrett at Langport has sunk after being vandalised. The Duchess of Cocklemore was built in 1908 and used as a ferryboat in Devon. Mud was thrown over the roof and the bilge pumps, which kept the boat afloat, were switched off before it sank.

A union representing firefighters in Somerset says former retained staff are missing out on pension payments. The Fire and Rescue Services Association states that recent legal amendments mean anyone who served as a retained firefighter between April 2000 and April 2006 may qualify for the payments.

Thirty-nine new affordable homes are to be built in Merriot. The development at Shiremoor Hill will comprise two, three, and four-bedroom houses and bungalows, available for rent or purchase.

A Chard man has been given a ten-week suspended prison sentence after being caught driving while disqualified and without insurance, and for being in possession of an offensive weapon. Appearing in court in Yeovil, Tyler Saunders, aged 20, of Auckland Way, in Chard, who pleaded guilty to all charges, was also disqualified from driving for 18 months and given a twenty-five-day rehabilitation order and told to pay costs of £40.

No trains are stopping at Crewkerene station from today, until further notice. Passengers are being offered a replacement bus service connecting Yeovil Junction and Axminster stations. Network Rail says it’s due to the dry weather causing clay embankments to shrink, meaning trains cannot travel safely at their normal speeds.

Hatch Beauchamp Primary School has held its first literary festival. Featuring workshops and performances by visiting storytellers and authors, the four-day event was supported by Hatch Beauchamp Parish Council and Somerset Community Foundation.

A defibrillator has been installed at The Arrow at Abbey Manor in Yeovil. It can be found to the left of the pub's front entrance and is available 24 hours a day.

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Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,