Tuesday 7th July

Tuesday, 7 July 2026 at 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 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