Tuesday 16th June

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

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

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. The collision happened between the Southfields roundabout and the turn-off to Ashill at around 10 o’clock last Sunday morning. The driver of a van died at the scene. Officers are asking anyone who may have dashcam footage of traffic on the A358 around the time of the accident to contact them on the non-emergency number 101.

A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. Magistrates in Yeovil heard that 50-year-old Simon Orchard, of Great Street, was more than three-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit when his car collided with stationary traffic on the A37 at Shepton Mallet. Orchard pleaded guilty and was handed a suspended prison sentence along with a 30-month driving ban.

Somerset Council is calling on the owners of a derelict former cinema in Bridgwater town centre to make the building safe. A formal notice attached to the property warns that rotten decking and joists in the canopy above a public walkway are likely to pose a danger to the public. The council says it’s awaiting a response from the owners and may take legal action to ensure repairs are carried out.

An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas near Chard is set to go under the hammer later this month. Described as a piece of pure British comedy history, the outfit is believed to be one of only three surviving original costumes and is expected to sell for between three and five thousand pounds at the British Comedy and Memorabilia Auction on June 29th.

At Holyrood Academy in Chard, science technician Belinda Burton has retired after 33 years at the school. Staff have paid tribute to her dedication, saying she brought science lessons to life and will be difficult to replace.

And in local football, Yeovil Town have completed the signing of defender Hayden Muller ahead of the new season. The 24-year-old joins the Glovers on a two-year deal from Sutton United, where he made 61 appearances. His arrival follows recent additions Johl Powell from Walton and Hersham and striker Stephen Walker from Scarborough as Yeovil continue to strengthen their squad.

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