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.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more