Thursday 30th July

Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Environment Agency has declared a drought across Somerset as the hot weather takes its toll on the county's water supplies. Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic accident near Crewkerne. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow...and more

The Environment Agency has declared a drought across Somerset as the hot, dry weather takes its toll on the county's water supplies. The EA says it's controlling how much water can be taken from local rivers, but isn’t planning to introduce a hosepipe ban just yet.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic accident near Crewkerne. A Honda CB650 motorbike was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit tipper truck towing a trailer on the A30 Yeovil Road, near Lower Severalls Lane, at around half past three on Monday afternoon. The motorcyclist, a man in his forties, died at the scene. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage of either vehicle in the moments leading up to the collision, is being asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.

Royal Mail says deliveries in the Wincanton area are currently running behind because of staff sickness and staff shortages. Homes and businesses in postcode areas TA22, TA23 and TA24 are advised to expect delays with the post over the coming days.

Organisers of Trowbridge Carnival have cancelled this year's event because of falling sponsorship and a shortage of volunteers. South Somerset Carnival Committee has warned that carnivals in Frome and Wincanton are also facing an uncertain future for the same reasons.

Seven GP surgeries across South Somerset have merged under a single contract. Symphony Healthcare Services says the change will allow it to provide a more consistent service across the seven practices. Patients are now part of one shared medical record system, with all sites operating under the new name of Symphony South Healthcare.

A charity quiz night in Ilminster has raised £1,000 for Children's Hospice SouthWest. Fifteen local businesses took part in the event, organised by Amicus Law Solicitors.

A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Ron Homer finished runner-up in the Mixed Pairs event.

More from News

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
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