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 18th August

People across Somerset are banned from today from using hosepipes to water gardens, clean windows or cars, or fill swimming and paddling pools. More cases of the potentially deadly livestock disease Bluetongue have been confirmed in Somerset. Work is underway to improve disabled access at Holyrood Academy in Chard... and more
Monday 17th August

Wessex Water, who supplies almost all homes and businesses in Somerset, has introduced a hosepipe ban effective from midnight tonight. A sinkhole on Station Road in Castle Cary has been repaired, two years after it was first discovered. A Wildcat helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton has taken part in the annual passing-out parade at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth... and more
Friday 14th August

Police are investigating an incident in which obscene words were scratched onto the World War One memorial at Ham Hill. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has repeated his call for the upgrade of the town’s police station to include a custody suite. A Somerset carnival club is building a specially adapted float to allow a wheelchair user and her assistance dog to take part in this year’s carnival circuit...and more
Thursday 13th August

An Ilminster family is celebrating after winning one million pounds on the National Lottery. Police have released a picture of a man they want to speak to in connection with suspected frauds in Somerset. Somerset Council has opened a tendering process to find a main contractor for the £15 million upgrade of Yeovil’s Octagon theatre... and more
Wednesday 12th August

Experts say with good visibility forecast for this evening, people across Somerset should have some of the best views of the solar eclipse anywhere in the UK. A Somerset councillor is calling for the Stop Line cycle route between Chard and Ilminster to be better supported. It's 40-years ago this week since a Lynx helicopter built in Yeovil set a new World Helicopter Speed Record... and more
Tuesday 11th August

Wessex Water says a hosepipe ban is possible if customers fail to cut their water usage. A record number of illegal dog fights were reported in Somerset last year. Yeovil Town's Mason Obeng has won the traditional sack of potatoes, given to the player who scores Yeovil's first goal of the new season, as a lucky omen... and more
Monday 10th August

A local councillor claims anti-social behaviour is putting people off coming into Yeovil town centre. South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban in the Chard area. Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stuck at one of its stations... and more
Friday 7th August

Chard's biggest employer, Numatic International, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has announced job cuts. A new Neighbourhood Plan for Hatch Beauchamp has officially been adopted. Two historic artefacts taken from Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years ago have been returned...and more