New data shows that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area is at an all-time high. Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard has issued a warning to prospective pet owners ahead of Christmas. The owner of four pubs in Somerset has warned that many could be forced to shut unless the government reconsiders business rates...and more.
New data shows that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area is at an all-time high. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that, for the year ending March 2025, the crime severity score in Avon and Somerset was 18.4, the highest figure on record. Avon and Somerset Police says the figures reflect increased confidence in reporting crimes, and more accurate crime recording.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard has issued a warning to prospective pet owners ahead of Christmas. Data from the RSPCA show a 23% rise in animals being abandoned following the festive season last year. Ferne Animal Sanctuary advises that, to prevent unsuitable animal gifts at Christmas, prospective owners should consider the long-term responsibilities of pet ownership.
The owner of four pubs in Somerset has warned that many could be forced to shut unless the government reconsiders business rates. Millie Coward says that at just one of her pubs, her costs will rise by £24,000 over the next twelve months.
People have until the end of this week to comment on plans to turn part of the County Hall in Taunton into flats for NHS workers. C-Block was sold by Somerset Council earlier this year as it was no longer needed. The £1.7m raised from the sale has been used to reduce the authority's budget deficit.
Somerset Cricket Club has awarded their captain, Lewis Gregory, a testimonial year in 2026. Lewis has scored more than 7500 runs and taken 637 wickets for the County. Playing for England in 12 white ball appearances, he scored in excess of 160 runs, taking six wickets.
It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more
Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the three aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton who died in last week's helicopter crash in Devon. Two men have been arrested and stolen vehicles seized following a major multi-agency operation in South Somerset. An event highlighting opportunities for women in the aerospace industry has been held in Yeovil... and more
The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more
The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more
Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more
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