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.
Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas has been put up for sale... and more
People in Somerset are being asked to take part in a new survey about alcohol use. Yeovil's MP Adam Dance will lead a debate in Parliament today on NHS dentistry. A Yeovil runner has been selected to represent England at a national endurance championship... and more
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.
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