Monday 28th July

Monday, 28 July 2025 at 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.

More from News

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