Wednesday 17th September

Wednesday, 17 September 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Environment Agency is being urged to rethink its decision to stop maintaining smaller rivers and streams in Somerset. South Western Railway, which runs trains through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne, has issued body cameras to more of its staff. Twelve new neighbourhood officers have joined Avon and Somerset Police...and more

The Environment Agency is being urged to rethink its decision to stop maintaining smaller rivers and streams in Somerset. The EA says it has to prioritise what it can deliver with the funding it has. Farmers and politicians have criticised the move, and now the Somerset Rivers Authority has called on the Environment Agency to carry out a formal impact assessment.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust says it's vital they get the input of families to an investigation into maternity services at Yeovil Hospital. Yeovil is one of fourteen hospitals across England to be examined as part of a government review of NHS maternity services.

South Western Railway, which runs trains through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne, has issued body cameras to more of its staff. It follows an increase in assaults and abuse on SWR staff, with two incidents being reported every day. The cameras are aimed at deterring assaults and other anti-social behaviour, and will collect video evidence for use in legal proceedings.

Twelve new neighbourhood officers have joined Avon and Somerset Police. The recruits, 50% of whom are female and 17% from an ethnic minority background, have been recruited through the Police Now's Graduate Programme. As neighbourhood officers, they will specialise in local policing, directly working with communities to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, to build trust in the Avon and Somerset force.

A Chard accountancy firm is hosting a coffee morning to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Lentells is inviting the public to its office in Chard Business Park, on Leach Road, on Thursday, September 25th, for the charity event.

More from News

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
Tuesday 1st September

One person had to be cut free from a vehicle following a two-vehicle collision on the A30 near Chard. A Yeovil man has been jailed for 7-and-a-half years for supplying cocaine and cannabis. Two Somerset teenagers have become the youngest to swim the Bristol Channel... and more
Friday 28th August

An organisation that investigates loan sharks has opened a branch in Taunton. Free parking on Sundays in Somerset's main towns could end just before Christmas. Local communities in and around Draycott will be able to take advantage of a shuttle bus service... and more.
Thursday 27th August

A 21 mile stretch of the M5 is to be given a 50mph speed limit for three years. Chard remains a safe place to work, live and visit say Avon & Somerset Police. Sunflowers of Somerset is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a photography competition and community activities... and more.
Wednesday 26th August

Two people have been arrested and released under investigation after the death of a baby in Crewkerne. A large sand picture of the prime minister has appeared in Burnham On Sea. The wet winter and hot summer means cider producers are struggling with their yields... and more.