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.

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Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more
Thursday 3rd September

Fifteen thousand people have signed a petition calling on Somerset Council to cancel plans for a huge data centre in Bridgwater. A nest of Asian hornets has been found in Somerset. More patients in Somerset are set to benefit from a hospital project aimed at restoring independence... and more
Wednesday 2nd September

Yeovil-based charity, School in a Bag, has started sending supplies to Nepal to help in the aftermath of the devastating floods. 6,000 people have signed a petition opposing plans for a new relief road in Chard. The Royal British Legion in Somerset is appealing for more volunteers to help run this year’s Poppy Appeal... and more
Tuesday 1st September

One person had to be cut free from a vehicle following a two-vehicle collision on the A30 near Chard. A Yeovil man has been jailed for 7-and-a-half years for supplying cocaine and cannabis. Two Somerset teenagers have become the youngest to swim the Bristol Channel... and more
Friday 28th August

An organisation that investigates loan sharks has opened a branch in Taunton. Free parking on Sundays in Somerset's main towns could end just before Christmas. Local communities in and around Draycott will be able to take advantage of a shuttle bus service... and more.
Thursday 27th August

A 21 mile stretch of the M5 is to be given a 50mph speed limit for three years. Chard remains a safe place to work, live and visit say Avon & Somerset Police. Sunflowers of Somerset is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a photography competition and community activities... and more.
Wednesday 26th August

Two people have been arrested and released under investigation after the death of a baby in Crewkerne. A large sand picture of the prime minister has appeared in Burnham On Sea. The wet winter and hot summer means cider producers are struggling with their yields... and more.