Wednesday 12th August

Wednesday, 12 August 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Experts say with good visibility forecast for this evening, people across Somerset should have some of the best views of the solar eclipse anywhere in the UK. A Somerset councillor is calling for the Stop Line cycle route between Chard and Ilminster to be better supported. It's 40-years ago this week since a Lynx helicopter built in Yeovil set a new World Helicopter Speed Record... and more

Experts say with good visibility forecast for this evening, people across Somerset should have some of the best views of the solar eclipse anywhere in the UK. Around 95 percent of the sun will be blocked by the moon starting from around 6.15 pm, peaking at 7.10 pm, and ending at around 8.05 pm. The eclipse coincides with the annual Perseid meteor shower, with those staying out after dark treated to one of the year's best displays of shooting stars.

A Somerset councillor is calling for the Stop Line cycle route between Chard and Ilminster to be better supported. Much of the maintenance on the route is carried out by volunteers. But Conservative member for Ilminster on Somerset Council, Councillor Sue Osborne, says clearance of unwanted vegetation to widen sections of the path should be funded by the government.

Pupils and staff at Wadham School in Crewkerne will have to endure eight months of roadworks when they return in September. Developers, Taylor Wimpey are building the Wool Gardens estate in Crewkerne with 635 new homes, a care home and a new relief road. Additional roadworks lasting eight months have been announced to create a northern access point to the houses, with traffic lights in place at the entrance to Wadham School from early-September.

Waste and recycling collections in Somerset are starting earlier due to the high temperatures. Collections begin from 6 am to protect workers from the hottest parts of the day. Households are asked to put out their recycling, rubbish, and garden waste the night before their scheduled collection day to ensure it’s ready for the earlier start.

It's 40-years ago this week since a Lynx helicopter built in Yeovil set a new World Helicopter Speed Record. G-Lynx, built by Westlands, set the record flying at 249.1 miles per hour over the Somerset Levels in 1986; a record that remains unbroken today.

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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