Thursday 2nd April

Thursday, 2 April 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The joint master of a hunt in Somerset has criticised the decision to hold a public consultation on banning trail hunting. Images of two men police want to speak to in connection with an arson attack on a barber’s shop in Wincanton have been released. The company that runs four leisure centres in the Mendip area has gone into administration... and more

The joint master of a hunt in Somerset has criticised the decision to hold a public consultation on banning trail hunting. Mary Perry from the Cotley Harriers says criticism of trail hunting is frustrating, as they follow all the guidelines. The League Against Cruel Sports wants trail hunting banned, but Mary Perry says this would be unfair.

Images of two men police want to speak to in connection with an arson attack on a barber’s shop in Wincanton have been released. On Saturday, March 14, two men were caught on CCTV smashing a window at a property on Church Street, pouring flammable liquid onto a door and setting it alight. Images of the men can be viewed on the Avon and Somerset Police website.

The company that runs four leisure centres in the Mendip area has gone into administration. Fusion Lifestyle manages Wells Fitness Centre, Tor Fitness Centre in Glastonbury, Strode Swimming and Fitness Centre in Street, Frome Leisure Centre, and Shepton Mallet Lido. Somerset Council says it will run the centres until a new operator is found.

Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident on the A358 near Taunton in which a motorcyclist was killed. It happened at Mattocks Tree Hill in West Hatch at around 10.30pm on Sunday, March 29th, when a Nissan Juke, a Vauxhall Zafira and a motorbike collided. A man in his 20s, who was riding the motorbike, died at the scene. If you witnessed the accident or have dashcam footage, you’re asked to call the non-emergency number 101.

A road in Ilminster will shut to traffic for three nights later this month. Silver Street will be closed on April 13, 14 and 15 from 7pm to 5am for BT Openreach to carry out essential works. Diversions will be in place during the closure.

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