Tuesday 5th May

Tuesday, 5 May 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

An investigation has been launched following a suspected arson attack at Sherborne Police Station. Somerset Council is spending £2.3 million on 14 new road gritters. Ilminster Literary Festival is marking its tenth anniversary this year... and more

An investigation has been launched following a suspected arson attack at Sherborne Police Station. Police say a small fire was started outside the boiler room at the rear of the building at around 3:30am on Saturday, April 25th. Images of a man officers would like to identify are available on the Dorset Police website.

A man from Yeovil has been banned from driving for 12 months. Magistrates heard that when Ettore Formisano, of Hendford Hill, was stopped by police in Sparkford, he was driving a car on its wheel rims with no tyres fitted. The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Somerset Council is spending £2.3 million on 14 new road gritters. The council currently operates a fleet of 23 gritters, with 10 nearing the end of their service life. The new gritters will help ensure roads across Somerset remain safe and passable in all weathers.

A road in Rimpton, near Sherborne, is shut to traffic today. The closure runs from Pitfield Corner to the junction with Sherborne Road and will remain in place until Friday, May 8th. Wessex Water is carrying out repair work.

Dates for this year’s local carnivals have been announced. Wincanton Carnival will take place on Friday, October 16th, followed by Castle Cary on Saturday, October 17th. Ilminster Carnival is on Saturday, October 3rd, and Chard on Saturday, October 10th. Shepton Mallet Carnival will be held on Wednesday, November 18th, Wells on Friday, November 20th, and Glastonbury on Saturday, November 21st.

Ilminster Literary Festival is marking its tenth anniversary this year. Speakers include Sir Jeremy Hunt, Alan Johnson and Johnny Ball. The festival runs from June 2nd to June 9th.

More from News

Friday 15th May

A fire that damaged two vehicles in Chaffcombe near Chard is being treated as deliberate. A road in Hardington Mandeville is set to re-open today after being closed for three days. Friends, family and colleagues of a Royal Navy officer based at RNAS Yeovilton are taking on a 630-mile coastal challenge in her memory... and more
Thursday 14th May

Somerset Council has defended spending nineteen million pounds on consultants over the past three years. A new clinic specialising in sexual health has opened in Yeovil. RNAS Yeovilton has been in the TV spotlight this week after featuring on Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr...and more
Wednesday 13th May

Concern's been expressed that too many of the 580 new council homes being built in Somerset will be clustered around Taunton and Bridgwater. Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman died following a crash on the M5. Haynes Motor Museum has been awarded £180,000 by The National Lottery to transform its Red Room gallery... and more
Tuesday 12th May

A member of Yeovil Town Council has appeared in court charged with two counts of assault. Health professionals in Somerset are urging people to take up the offer of a free NHS health check. Organisers of Somerset Day have welcomed the name Dunkery given to the dragon on the county flag...and more
Monday 11th May

New figures show a sharp increase in reports of drones interfering with critical air ambulance missions. The Liberal Democrats have retained the Mendip Hills seat on Somerset Council following a by-election. A woman from Chard has been recognised for her contribution to the community with an invitation to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace... and more
Friday 8th May

Police investigating a fire in Shepton Mallet are appealing for help to identify two people. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has called for more government support for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. This weekend sees the start of the Great Gardening Show at The Newt near Bruton...and more
Thursday 7th May

A disabled man has taken his case to the High Court, arguing that Somerset Council’s council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Bristol Airport says travellers planning summer holidays should not change their plans. Chard and Ilminster Amateur Boxing Club has launched a fundraising appeal,..and more
Wednesday 6th May

Pharmacists in Somerset say it's becoming difficult to get hold of some medications. The building used as Club Neo in Stars Lane in Yeovil has been put up for sale. Free gym memberships are being offered to people living with Parkinson's in Somerset...and more