Thursday 7th August

Thursday, 7 August 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The owners of Yeovil Town Football Club say that they are hopeful of concluding a deal with Somerset Council to buy back Huish Park very soon. Hestercombe House and Gardens near Taunton has gone into administration. The Government is eyeing up the possibility of using brownfield land near railway lines in Somerset for house building...and more

The owners of Yeovil Town Football Club say they’re hopeful of concluding a deal with Somerset Council to buy back Huish Park very soon. Executive Chairman of Yeovil Town, Stuart Robins, says they’re in detailed negotiations about taking back ownership of the stadium and surrounding land from Somerset Council, who bought Huish Park in 2022 during a period of financial uncertainty at Yeovil Town.

Trains will start calling at Crewkerne station again from next Monday, but with a much-reduced service. Network Rail says the hot weather has impacted clay embankments on the Exeter to Waterloo line, making it unsafe for trains to travel at normal speeds. As a consequence, trains were stopped from calling at Crewkerne station on July 22nd.

Hestercombe House and Gardens near Taunton has gone into administration. The trustees of the 16th-century property blame a drop in visitor numbers and increased running costs, including the increases in employer NI contributions, for their financial problems. For the time being, Hestercombe House and gardens will remain open as usual.

The government is eyeing up the possibility of using brownfield land near railway lines in Somerset for house building. It believes up to 40,000 new homes could be developed on surplus brownfield sites near railway stations, depots and other infrastructure across the UK over the next 10 years. The Department of Transport says it can’t confirm at this stage whether brownfield sites close to railway stations in Somerset will be allocated for new house building.

A Somerset farmer says dog owners should practice training their dogs without livestock present. James Small, a member of Somerset NFU, was commenting on proposed new legislation to strengthen protections for farmers against livestock worrying and dog attacks.

The most popular baby names in Somerset in 2024 were Charlie, William, Harry and Oliver for boys, and Isla, Emily, Olivia and Amelia for girls, according to the Office for National Statistics. Muhammad was the most popular boy's name in England and Wales last year Olivia was the most popular girl’s name.

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