Thursday 30th July

Thursday, 30 July 2026 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

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