Wednesday 12th August

Wednesday, 12 August 2026 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.

More from News

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
Thursday 3rd September

Fifteen thousand people have signed a petition calling on Somerset Council to cancel plans for a huge data centre in Bridgwater. A nest of Asian hornets has been found in Somerset. More patients in Somerset are set to benefit from a hospital project aimed at restoring independence... and more
Wednesday 2nd September

Yeovil-based charity, School in a Bag, has started sending supplies to Nepal to help in the aftermath of the devastating floods. 6,000 people have signed a petition opposing plans for a new relief road in Chard. The Royal British Legion in Somerset is appealing for more volunteers to help run this year’s Poppy Appeal... and more