Tuesday 7th July

Tuesday, 7 July 2026 06:30

Two men have been found guilty of attempted murder in Yeovil. Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious crash near Taunton. A new partnership in Somerset aims to tackle domestic abuse through the power of grassroots sport... and more

Two men in their thirties have been found guilty of attempted murder after firing a gun at a moving car in Yeovil. James McGuinness from the town and Junior Renford of London, both 31, were found guilty of attempted murder, possession of a firearm whilst prohibited for life and possession of ammunition without a certificate. In addition, McGuinness had been charged with possession of a stun taser. They each denied the offences but a jury at Taunton Crown Court found them both guilty of each count. They were sentenced to 30 years in prison on Friday.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious crash near Taunton that closed the A358 for several hours. Officers were called to Mattocks Tree Hill at around half past ten on Thursday morning following a collision between a lorry and a car. The driver of the car sustained life changing injuries and the passenger is in a life-threatening condition. Their next of kin have been informed.

Meanwhile, an upgrade to the aging gas and electrical network on the A358 will begin later this month. The work by Wales and West Utilities, alongside the National Grid, will take place from the 20^th July and will affect the road between Staplegrove Road and Minehead Road. At the same time, improvements to the Silk Mills junction will be made, as part of a wider building programme. This will mean a one-way system will operate inward-bound to Taunton and a diversion will be in place for outbound traffic. It’s hoped the work will be completed by October.

A new partnership in Somerset aims to tackle domestic abuse through the power of grassroots sport. Somerset Domestic Abuse Service has joined forces with the county’s Football Association to raise awareness and promote safer communities. Under the partnership, education will be provided to local clubs so coaches, volunteers, players and parents can better recognise the signs of domestic abuse and access support.

The mayor of the West of England has admitted the results of a £5m scheme designed to help young people into work are "not good enough" after it reached only 300 people in its first year. Of those, 126 progressed into a job, study or training. Helen Godwin has said she's confident a redesigned scheme will deliver better results in the programme’s second year.

More from News

Friday 17th July

Plans have been submitted to build 30 new homes in Ashill. As the heatwave continues, a Somerset air conditioning business says demand for its services has never been higher. Morrisons has confirmed it will close its Glenthorne Avenue store in Yeovil on August 1st... and more
Thursday 16th July

Plans to build up to one hundred new homes on Yeovil's former cattle market have moved a step closer. It’s being made easier for parents in Somerset to register children for free school meals. Wessex Water says it has no plans for a hosepipe ban at the moment but is keeping a close eye on supplies as demand increases... and more
Wednesday 15th July

Bus passengers in Yeovil have been provided with easier access to the town's bus station. Firefighters are warning of an increased risk of wildfires because of the hot weather. Aldi is asking for public comments on plans to build a new food store in Chard... and more
Tuesday 14th July

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more
Monday 13th July

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more
Friday 10th July

The inquest into the death of a sex offender has returned an open conclusion. A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county. Ilminster Arts Centre has held its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event... and more
Thursday 9th July

A father who shook his baby to death has been convicted of murder. Local people at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat... and more
Wednesday 8th July

NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place. A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted. Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi... and more