Tuesday 14th December

Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

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.

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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