Thursday 8th October

Thursday, 8 October 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally. Wells market has received national recognition...and more

Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. The decision was made at a meeting of the council’s Executive and will see charges rise by an average of 10 percent from January. The introduction of Sunday parking charges, and a new county-wide tiered charging system, will be phased-in from September next year. Somerset Council says the new charging regime will create a fairer and more consistent approach, while opponents claim it will harm town centres and local businesses.

Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally and are urging families to understand the consequences. It follows an accident in Taunton last week, involving, it’s believed. an e-scooter, in which a 16-year-old boy died. Parents and carers are being advised that privately-owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, pavements, and cycle lanes, unless they are part of an authorised rental trial scheme. Police are warning of wider consequences that could result from e-scooter offences, including points on a driving licence and impacts on future driving licence applications and insurance premiums.

Boots – the high street retailer and pharmacy chain – which has a branch in Middle Street in Yeovil and on the Yeovil Business Park at Babylon Hill - is being taken over in a deal worth £6.7 billion. New owners, Wittington Investments, a Canadian investment company, says customers should see no immediate changes to Boots stores, with the business expected to continue trading as normal while the deal progresses.

Wells market has received national recognition. It's been given a Small Market of the Year award by the National Association of British Market Authorities. Wells City Council says the award recognises the hard work, flexibility and commitment of the team behind Wells market.

More from News

Wednesday 7th October

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more
Tuesday 6th October

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more
Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.
Thursday 1st October

765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Wednesday 30th September

Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Tuesday 29th September

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.
Monday 28th September

Somerset Community Foundation says it has awarded more than £40 million in grants across the county. The family of a Somerset girl say they used AI to help diagnose her genetic condition. A property in Monks Dale, Yeovil is subject to a three month Closure Order... and more.