Wednesday 10th December

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested for being over the alcohol limit or for drug driving in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. That’s a 31% increase in arrests compared to the same period last year. The public is being asked to help take dangerous drivers off the road. If you suspect someone is unfit to drive, you should call 999 or report the matter at a police station.

A reindeer farm near Yeovil says it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence to keep operating. For the past 14 years, Sarah Sutton has run the Somerset Reindeer Ranch at Chilthorne Domer with an Animal Activity licence, but after reindeers were reclassified as "dangerous and wild" Somerset Council say she needs a Zoo licence to stay open. Sarah says a Zoo Licence is unaffordable and that she will have to close the business unless reindeer farms are exempt from the ruling. Somerset Reindeer Ranch in Chilthorne Domer is open over the Christmas and New Year period.

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Somerset now have their own website. Yeovil-based SEND group The Unstoppables has launched an online platform for members and others to share ideas and experiences.

Work restoring the old windows of the Grade II-listed water tower pumphouse at Crewkerne railway station has been completed. The project, carried out by the Friends of Crewkerne Station, was initially intended to cover the boarded side of the Pumphouse, but expanded into a complete restoration after it was discovered that the original window frames were still in place beneath the boarding.

Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset, arriving in a helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton.

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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