Tuesday 25th August

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 at 06:30

Fire crews have been dealing with a fire in Ilchester which broke out yesterday afternoon. Somerset’s frontline health services say heatwaves and tourism are making their jobs more difficult. A Chard health store has been named Natural Lifestyle Retailer of the Year.. and more.

Fire crews have been dealing with a hedge fire in Ilchester which broke out yesterday afternoon. Six fire engines attended the scene with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responding to multiple calls. Hoses and breathing apparatus were used to tackle the blaze.

Somerset’s frontline health services say heatwaves and tourism are making their staff’s jobs more difficult. Practitioners are reporting that tourists have needed treatment for heatstroke, heat rash, insect stings and tick bites over the last few months, while some visitors had arrived without enough prescription medication.

The MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, Sarah Dyke, is calling on food retailers to reduce the amount of food being rejected for being misshapen or wonky. Dyke says one supplier she spoke to had 6,000 cauliflowers rejected because they were described as 'too yellow'. There are additional concerns that the extreme heat and dry weather this year is causing problems for farmers when it comes to their yields.

Rural communities in Somerset could find it easier to develop and deliver their own active travel schemes thanks to a Somerset council initiative. The toolkit helps locals through the process needed; from large-scale ambitions to much smaller adjustments such as dropped kerb requests. The project aims to provide confidence, knowledge and practical tools, from identifying an initial need, through to the long-term maintenance needed once it is implemented.

An independent health store in Chard has been named Natural Lifestyle retailer of the Year 2026, despite being open less than a year. Health and Remedy on Holyrood Street won the award, which recognises excellence in the UK’s independent health food retail sector, for the business’ passion, positive outlook and deep community engagement. Judges also commended the store as a standout example of how independent outfits can succeed, even in a challenging retail environment.

More from News

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