Tuesday 14th December

Tuesday, 16 December 2025 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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Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more