Monday 7th September

Monday, 7 September 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. They say people are receiving phone calls from fraudsters claiming their personal information has been compromised, their bank accounts are at risk, or their details have been linked to criminal activity. In some cases, callers claim a suspect has been arrested and the victim’s details were found during the investigation. Police say genuine officers will never ask you to transfer money or reveal sensitive banking information over the phone. If you think you’ve received a scam call, contact the police non-emergency number on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also visit your nearest police station and speak to an officer in person.

Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Eligible patients are being contacted about having the jab. Mike Hewitson, a community pharmacist in Norton-sub-Hamdon, says getting vaccinated can help protect people from serious illness and keep them out of hospital.

Bridgwater Conservative MP Sir Ashley Fox says allowing carnival carts to use red diesel could help keep local carnival clubs operating. He’s calling on the government to add carnival carts to the list of vehicles permitted to use the much lower-taxed fuel. Duncan White, from Bridgwater’s Guy Fawkes Carnival, is due to meet government officials later this week to discuss the issue.

The Green Party has retained its seat in Frome West on Somerset Council following a by-election. Dominic Ellison was elected with 663 votes, beating Liberal Democrat Drew Gardner by 119. Reform UK finished third, with Labour and the Conservatives further behind. Turnout was just under 22 per cent. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Green Party councillor Michael Dunk, following his conviction over a Just Stop Oil protest.

And Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his upcoming show in Taunton after breaking his ankle. He was due to perform at Somerset County Cricket Club’s ground this Friday, alongside comedians Justin Moorhouse and Sally-Anne Hayward. Somerset County Cricket Club says all tickets will be refunded.

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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
Tuesday 20th October

The NSPCC says sexual communication offences involving children in the South-West have more than doubled since the offence was introduced seven years ago. People in Somerset are being warned that artificial intelligence is being used to make homes look more attractive in estate agent’s photos. Yeovil Town replay their FA Cup 4th qualifying round against Leatherhead at Huish Park tonight.., and more
Monday 19th October

The Environment Agency says reservoir levels across Somerset are well below what they should be for the time of year. A former school building in Wincanton could be turned into a recording studio and arts venue. Families in Somerset are being reminded of the October 31st deadline to apply for school places ...and more
Friday 16th October

Parts of Somerset have been moved into the highest drought category to protect water supplies. A new group's been formed to try and save Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre from closure.Tesco in Yeovil is recruiting for temporary staff for the busy Christmas period... and more
Thursday 15th October

Hate crime recorded by Avon and Somerset Police has risen to a record high. The Communication Workers Union claims postal workers in Somerset are leaving their jobs due to a controversial new delivery system. Four new Deputy Lieutenants have been appointed to support Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant... and more
Wednesday 14th October

Somerset Council says it can’t confirm whether new parking machines being installed across the county will be able to accept cash. The number of cloned cars seized have more than double in the past 3-years with Avon and Somerset Police recovering one fraudulent vehicle every week. The skull of a 50,000 year old Woolly Rhino found on the Mendips Hills has gone on a display at a museum in Wells...and more