Tuesday 5th May

Tuesday, 5 May 2026 at 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.

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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