Monday 8th September

Monday, 8 September 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Farmers in Somerset will be driving their tractors to protest at Labour’s annual Party Conference in Liverpool later this month. A Somerset animal rescue centre says it’s dealing with a surge in the number of large dog breeds being surrendered or rehomed. The George Inn in Ilminster has announced that it will be reopening to customers on Monday, September 15th...and more

Farmers in Somerset will be driving their tractors to Labour’s annual Party Conference in Liverpool later this month to protest about the government’s planned changes to inheritance tax. The demonstration, organised by Farmers to Action, will see farmers from all around the UK converge on Labour’s conference, which starts in Liverpool on September 28th. They want the government to scrap the inheritance tax changes that will impose a 20% tax on inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1 million from April next year.

A Somerset animal rescue centre says it’s dealing with a surge in the number of large dog breeds being surrendered or rehomed. Happy Landings Animal Rescue in Shepton Mallet says 200 big dogs, including bully breeds and German Shepherds, have been brought to it so far this year. A spokesperson blames the increase on owners not being prepared to give the training, exercise, and care that big dogs need.

A breast cancer charity is starting new monthly help sessions in Yeovil. Breast Cancer Now holds its first “Living with Secondary Breast Cancer” session on Tuesday, September 16th at the Westlands Entertainment venue.

Heritage train rides will soon start running out of Shillingstone station in North Dorset. It follows the completion of work to re-lay the track and sidings that were once part of the Somerset and Dorset line. The North Dorset Railway group says steam and diesel rides will run along 780 meters of track, passing over the Lamb House Bridge, before returning to the station platform.

The Ilminster and District Lions Club has thanked the people who donated items to send to Ukraine. Since the start of the war with Russia, Ilminster Lions has sent 31 boxes of personal care products, baby clothes and medical supplies to the people of Ukraine.

Drivers are again using Junction 26 on the M5 in Somerset. The junction was shut in June for the Chelston Link road to be resurfaced.

The George Inn in Ilminster has announced that it will reopen to customers on Monday, September 15th.

More from News

Friday 5th September

A large water leak in Yeovil closed part of Middle Street last night whilst repairs took place. A Somerset MP has been voicing his concerns over warnings of future flood dangers in the county. The Wincanton branch of Lidl could be demolished to be replaced with a bigger store...and more.
Thursday 4th September

A new leisure complex on the edge of Yeovil will be built, after plans were approved by Somerset Council. Landmarks across the south-west will be illuminated from Monday to mark Air Ambulance Week. YAOS are hoping to trace passengers stranded at Gander Airport in Newfoundland after the 9/11 attacks...and more.
Wednesday 3rd September

Yeovil’s MP, Adam Dance, will introduce his first Bill to Parliament next week, proposing dyslexia screening. The 2025 Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan referendum has won a massive majority in the town. Chard residents are being encouraged to report crime and antisocial behaviour...and more.
Tuesday 2nd September

An ex-Somerset MP who quit politics after allegations of sexual misconduct has died suddenly. The A378 in Langport has now reopened after extensive work. Crewkerne’s annual Charter Fair, which can be traced back to Saxon times, returns this weekend...and more.
Monday 1st September

The taps are back on in Yeovil, after large parts of the town were left without water on Friday. South Somerset is now considered the UK’s top alternative to the Cotswolds. Yeovil is gearing up for the return of its Literary Festival this October...and more.
Friday 29th August

The Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town. A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down... and more.
Thursday 28th August

A Marston Magna man who fell ill on holiday has died. A film of Yeovil’s fundraiser for famine relief is being screened tonight, forty years on. A South Somerset contestant has been ranked fifth place at the World’s Strongest Man (Natural) contest...and more.
Wednesday 27th August

Concerns are being raised over the maintenance of the River Cary, following reports of planned cutbacks. It could be an earlier harvest for Somerset cider growers this autumn after a warm summer. The Teals Farm Shop has revealed plans to broaden its services...and more.