Thursday 16th July

Thursday, 16 July 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Plans to build up to one hundred new homes on Yeovil's former cattle market have moved a step closer. It’s being made easier for parents in Somerset to register children for free school meals. Wessex Water says it has no plans for a hosepipe ban at the moment but is keeping a close eye on supplies as demand increases... and more

Plans to build up to one hundred new homes on Yeovil's former cattle market have moved a step closer. The derelict Reckleford site has been identified for housing in the draft Somerset Local Plan, which will shape housing and employment development across the county through to 2045. The proposals are now out for public consultation.

It’s being made easier for parents in Somerset to register children for free school meals. Currently, families have to apply manually, but Somerset Council is introducing an automatic enrolment system similar to schemes already in place in neighbouring Devon and Wiltshire.

People across Somerset are being urged to use water more carefully during the hot weather. Wessex Water says it has no plans for a hosepipe ban at the moment but is keeping a close eye on supplies as demand increases. Water efficiency charity, Waterwise, says everyone has a role to play in reducing waste.

Somerset Council says it accepts the government's decision to place the council under a Best Value Notice. The measure is designed to monitor improvements in governance, finances and value for money. The council says it expected the decision and insists it will remain responsible for delivering local services while continuing to improve its financial position.

Yeovil Town has announced its fixtures for the new National League season. The Glovers begin with a trip to Scunthorpe United on August 8th. Carlisle United will be the first visitors to Huish Park the following weekend, and the season ends at home to Harrogate Town on April 24th.

More from News

Wednesday 15th July

Bus passengers in Yeovil have been provided with easier access to the town's bus station. Firefighters are warning of an increased risk of wildfires because of the hot weather. Aldi is asking for public comments on plans to build a new food store in Chard... and more
Tuesday 14th July

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more
Monday 13th July

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more
Friday 10th July

The inquest into the death of a sex offender has returned an open conclusion. A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county. Ilminster Arts Centre has held its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event... and more
Thursday 9th July

A father who shook his baby to death has been convicted of murder. Local people at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat... and more
Wednesday 8th July

NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place. A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted. Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi... and more
Tuesday 7th July

Two men have been found guilty of attempted murder in Yeovil. Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious crash near Taunton. A new partnership in Somerset aims to tackle domestic abuse through the power of grassroots sport... and more
Monday 6th July

A Yeovil man has been jailed after an incident in the town in March. A Frome warehouse fire last week is being treated as suspicious. The summer lifeguard service returned to Brean and Burnham on Sea at the weekend... and more