Wednesday 17th June

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols and roadside checks for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Patrol cars will be deployed at known hotspots across the force area, with officers carrying out roadside tests on motorists. Police are also urging members of the public to report anyone they suspect of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs by calling the non-emergency number 101.

Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. Managing Director David Crew says rising uncertainty in global markets is already affecting companies across the county, and warns that even if a settlement is reached soon, the economic effects are likely to be felt throughout Somerset for many months to come.

People across Somerset are being asked for their views on how Somerset Council should spend its money in the next financial year. The Summer Budget Consultation marks the first stage of the council's annual budget-setting process and aims to identify which services residents value most before detailed spending proposals are drawn up later this year. The consultation closes on the 27th of July and can be completed via the Somerset Council website.

A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities. There are currently no dedicated thatching training schools in England, meaning employers must fund apprentice training themselves. Stephen Packham says taking on apprentices can be a financial risk, although he's encouraged that their most recent recruit has remained in the trade.

National Highways is advising motorists to plan ahead if they're travelling on the A303 this weekend for the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge. Extra measures will be in place to help keep traffic moving during the annual event, which takes place on Saturday night and into Sunday morning.

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