Wednesday 17th September

Wednesday, 17 September 2025 at 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

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
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