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

Tuesday 11th August

Wessex Water says a hosepipe ban is possible if customers fail to cut their water usage. A record number of illegal dog fights were reported in Somerset last year. Yeovil Town's Mason Obeng has won the traditional sack of potatoes, given to the player who scores Yeovil's first goal of the new season, as a lucky omen... and more
Monday 10th August

A local councillor claims anti-social behaviour is putting people off coming into Yeovil town centre. South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban in the Chard area. Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stuck at one of its stations... and more
Friday 7th August

Chard's biggest employer, Numatic International, makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner, has announced job cuts. A new Neighbourhood Plan for Hatch Beauchamp has officially been adopted. Two historic artefacts taken from Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years ago have been returned...and more
Thursday 6th August

A local man and convicted former neo-Nazi, selected by the Conservatives to stand in Crewkerne South in next year’s local elections for a seat on Somerset Council, has pulled out after a backlash against his candidacy. A charity that runs children's homes in Somerset is terminating its contract early following a critical report by Ofsted...and more
Wednesday 5th August

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner is backing the wider use of police drones in towns like Yeovil to help tackle crime. Visitor numbers at Somerset's tourist attractions are down by around sixty per cent so far this year. A gardening expert says it'll take much more than the occasional shower to revive Somerset's parched lawns, parks and open spaces...and more
Tuesday 4th August

A Somerset doctor is calling for better community eye care. People in Glastonbury and Street are benefiting from a new bus service to Castle Cary railway station. A sailor from South Petherton is celebrating after sailing around the world... and more
Monday 3rd August

A yellow Heat Health Alert is in force across Somerset today. The swimming and leisure centre in Street remains closed following last Thursday's flooding in the plant room. Plans for a new primary school in Chard have been delayed until at least 2030... and more
Friday 31st July

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says July has been its busiest month ever for emergency calls. Police have recovered a 1970s Austin Mini pick-up stolen in Shepton Mallet. A specialist spinal injuries service at Yeovil Hospital has treated three hundred patients in its first year... and more