Monday 9th November

Monday, 9 November 2026 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Facial recognition cameras are to be used by police in Somerset for the first time. Badger culling against bovine TB has officially ended in Somerset. The 5-star Summer Lodge Hotel in Evershot has a new owner...and more

Facial recognition cameras are to be used by police in Somerset for the first time. A trial of the technology will begin on Wednesday, November 25th, with details of where and when yet to be announced. Facial recognition cameras will help police identify individuals wanted by the courts, those suspected of serious offences, or who pose an "immediate risk of harm" to themselves or others.

A winter fuel campaign has been launched to support older people in Somerset. The Surviving Winter appeal, run by Somerset Community Foundation, asks people in receipt of a winter fuel payment from the government and don’t need it to donate the money to those struggling with rising energy costs. Details can be found on the Somerset Community Foundation website

Police have issued a photo of a man they want to speak to in connection with an incident in Wells. It happened when a man carried out an indecent act at a supermarket on Tucker Street in Wells on Thursday October 15th. His photo can be viewed on the Avon and Somerset Police website. If you can help police with their inquiries, you’re asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

Badger culling against bovine TB has officially ended in Somerset, with other animals being vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease. Somerset was one of the first trial areas to start badger culling in 2013, prompting national protests and splitting opinion across the farming industry.

Work building a new transport hub in Langport will be completed in the New Year to avoid a clash with the town’s annual Christmas market. Local bus services to operate from the hub include the 54 between Taunton and Yeovil.

The 5-star Summer Lodge Hotel in Evershot has a new owner. The business has been bought by Kevin Newton, who owns the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster and previously owned the Swan Hotel in Wells.

More from News

Friday 6th November

Up to 70 jobs could go at the Leonardo helicopter factory in Yeovil. Police are investigating a fire at the former Pittard factory in Yeovil. Families on low incomes are being offered tickets at just £3 to this year’s Yeovil pantomime...and more
Thursday 5th November

South West Water says reservoir levels in Somerset are starting to recover after recent heavy rainfall. Castle Cary railway station is to get a new footbridge. A young dancer from Martock has been chosen to perform with the English Youth Ballet... and more
Wednesday 4th November

People in Somerset will go to the polls in May 2028 to elect a new mayor for the Wessex region. A Somerset farmer who failed a breath test after being caught asleep at the wheel of his tractor has narrowly avoided losing his driving licence. The new Ham Hill Visitor Centre has been named a regional winner in the Building Excellence Awards 2026... and more
tuesday 3rd November

Somerset Council says it doesn’t have the money to improve its planning enforcement team. Drivers are being advised that work to replace the central barrier on the M5 near Wellington starts this week. A health food shop in Chard has been crowned High Street Shop of the Year... and more
Monday 2nd November

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
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