Tuesday 12th August

Tuesday, 12 August 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A new 'family style' children's home for vulnerable children has opened in Somerset. Railway services between Yeovil and Exeter will run less frequently and at a slower speed from this week. A Crewkerne man has been given a one-year driving ban for drug driving. Chard Town Council says the public toilets near Sainsbury’s have been deep cleaned in preparation for re-opening them...and more.

A new 'family style' children's home for vulnerable children has opened in Somerset; the eighth of its kind in the county. The ‘Family style’ homes provide wraparound care for up to three vulnerable children. It’s a concept, pioneered by Somerset Council, that’s now being rolled out in other local authority areas.

Railway services between Yeovil and Exeter will run less frequently and at a slower speed from this week. The track on the Waterloo to Exeter line has been impacted by the hot weather, meaning that trains have to travel more slowly. Trains will, however, now stop at Crewkerne station.

Chard Town Council says the public toilets near Sainsbury’s have been deep cleaned in preparation for reopening them. The Town Council has taken over running the toilets in the Bath Street car park and has appointed a contractor to clean them daily, but hasn’t given a date when they will re-open.

A Crewkerne man has been given a one-year driving ban for drug driving. Pleading guilty to the charge before a Judge in Yeovil, Christopher Baker, aged 30, of Ivel Way in Crewkerne, also admitted driving without insurance or a licence in Crewkerne in January, earlier this year. Apart from the driving ban, Baker was fined £120 along with a £120 surcharge and £40 costs.

Somerset Council is holding a series of information days to recruit more foster families for children in care. One of the events is being held in Somerton next month, offering local people the chance to learn what fostering really involves. Full details and booking information can be found at somerset.gov.uk/fostering.

Toy chain, The Entertainer, which has a store on Middle Street in Yeovil, is handing over control of the business to its employees. In future, the company will be run by an employee trust, with staff getting a share of the profits and a say in how the business operates.

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