Thursday 24th July

Thursday, 24 July 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Tourism leaders in Somerset are hoping to reverse last year’s downturn in visitor numbers now that the six-week-long school summer holiday is underway. A Chard woman who was driving a van without insurance that crashed has been given a 16-month driving ban. A Somerset hedgehog rescue centre says a lack of rain and hard ground conditions are making it difficult for hedgehogs to survive this summer...and more.

Tourism leaders in Somerset are hoping to reverse last year’s downturn in visitor numbers now that the 6-week-long school summer holiday is underway. Visit Somerset says increases in employer National Insurance rates are putting hospitality businesses and visitor attractions under even greater financial pressure.

Changes are being made to the route of the 51 bus in Yeovil. The 51 will now stop at Asda and Larkhill. A new 61 service is being introduced that will stop in Cavalier Way. First Bus says both the 51 and 61 will also make stops at Tesco and Hendford Lodge Medical Centre. The journey time on the 54 Yeovil to Taunton bus is being extended by 10 minutes to improve timekeeping.

A Chard woman who crashed into a parked car while driving a van without insurance that belonged to her employer has been banned from driving for 16 months. Appearing before local magistrates, Claire Hottinger of Pear Tree Drive in Chard, pleaded guilty to using a Ford Transit van without insurance and was made the subject of a 12-month community order.

A trophy cabinet has been broken into and cups stolen in a raid at a Somerset golf club. It happened at Mendip Golf Club near Shepton Mallet last Friday when thieves smashed a window in a fire door and stole several prestigious trophies. Anyone with information is asked to please call the non-emergency number 101.

Network Rail says trains on the Waterloo Exeter line will not stop at Crewkerne station from Monday until further notice. A replacement bus will run between Axminster and Yeovil Junction stations. Network Rail says they’ve had to cancel trains stopping at Crewkerne station due to hot weather impacting the clay-based embankments between Salisbury and Axminster.

A Somerset hedgehog rescue centre says it’s seen a significant increase in the number of hedgehogs brought in this year. They say due to a lack of rain and hard ground conditions, hedgehogs are finding it difficult to source enough food..

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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