Tuesday 9th June

Tuesday, 9 June 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services... and more

The government has announced a £50 million investment to strengthen Somerset’s flood defences. The funding will support a two-year programme aimed at reducing flood risk, improving emergency preparedness and boosting long-term resilience across the county. Somerset Council says it will work with the Environment Agency, the Somerset Rivers Authority, Natural England and local communities to decide how best the money should be spent to deliver lasting benefits.

A woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon has been banned from driving for 14 months after admitting drink-driving. Magistrates in Yeovil heard that Julie Ann Baker, of Tiptoft, was one-and-a-half times over the legal alcohol limit when police stopped her after she crashed into a wall in Water Street, Martock. Baker was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 in costs.

Police have confirmed that a file has been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service following last year's coach crash on Exmoor in which a 10-year-old boy died. The coach, carrying schoolchildren home after a day trip, left the road and plunged down an embankment near Wheddon Cross in July. Officers say they are continuing to work with the CPS while other lines of enquiry remain ongoing.

Somerset Council has been told it must improve its adult social care services. The Care Quality Commission has rated the service as "requires improvement" following an inspection carried out last September. The report highlights concerns including the handling of complaints and safeguarding issues.

Organisers of Shepton Mallet Carnival have announced there will be no appearance money or prize money at this year's event. They say staging the carnival will cost around £15,000 and there are no additional funds available.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
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