Monday 2nd November

Monday, 2 November 2026 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

A motorist was caught driving at 133mph on the A303 between Podimore and Sparkford, according to newly released data from Avon and Somerset Police. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre closed for the last time at the weekend. Public firework displays in Ilminster and Martock have been cancelled due to rising costs... and more

A motorist was caught driving at 133mph on the A303 between Podimore and Sparkford, according to newly released data from Avon and Somerset Police. The offence, recorded in May this year, was the highest speed clocked on any road in Somerset in the last 12-months. Across the Avon and Somerset force area as a whole, the highest speed recorded was 147mph on the M4 near Junction 19 in South Gloucestershire.

Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre closed for the last time at the weekend with little prospect of it ever reopening. Trustees of the Brewhouse announced in September that they were having to close the theatre due to financial difficulties.

Two public firework displays in our area have been cancelled. Organisers of a display at the Archie Gooch Pavilion in Ilminster say the event has been cancelled due to rising costs. Martock Parish Council has cancelled its planned display on health and safety grounds.

South-West Water, which supplies the Chard area, has been given the lowest possible environmental rating due to high levels of pollution. The Environment Agency downgraded South-West Water from two stars, out of a possible four, to one star.

Somerset Council is planning changes to parking and waiting times across South Somerset that will affect roads in Milborne Port, Yeovil, Wincanton, Somerton, East Chinnock, Stoford, Yeovil Without, Crewkerne, Castle Cary, West Coker, Hinton St George, Aller, High Ham, South Chard, Bruton, and Bayford. The changes, under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, can be viewed on the Somerset Council website. Objections should be made in writing to Somerset Council by Wednesday, November 18th.

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