Wednesday 19th August

Wednesday, 19 August 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The fire service in Somerset has issued a plea for the public to take every precaution to prevent wildfires. Plans have been approved for Numatic International to install one-thousand solar panels on roof of their Chard factory. Somerset fast bowler, Jake Ball, has signed a new one-year contract that will keep him at the club for the 2027 season... and more

The fire service has issued a plea for the public to take every precaution to prevent wildfires. Despite some rain forecast over the next few days, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says the risks of wildfires breaking out remains very high, especially in rural areas.

Plans have been approved for Numatic International – makers of the Henry vacuum cleaner – to install one-thousand solar panels on roof of their Chard factory. The panels, which will generate around 457kW of power, will be laid over 3,700 square meters of roof space at Building 34 on the Millfield industrial estate.

The A303 near Marsh on the Somerset/Devon border was closed for more 12 hours yesterday after a lorry carrying hay bales caught fire. The fire service says the road was shut as a precaution to stop the blaze spreading and to protect other road users. No one was injured but the vehicle suffered extensive fire damage.

Somerset-based Stonewater Housing Association is calling for more affordable homes to be built in rural areas. Currently, thirteen thousand people are on the housing waiting list in Somerset with 1-in-5 registered as living in the countryside.

A Yeovil-based dementia care organisation is marking its 12th anniversary. The Filo Project, a not-for-profit social enterprise, offers dementia care through day groups for people with early to moderate dementia. The service includes transport, a home-cooked meal, and personalised activities in a domestic setting.

In cricket, Somerset fast bowler, Jake Ball, has signed a new one-year contract that will keep him at the club for the 2027 season. Jake says he’ll be giving it everything to help Somerset win matches including the push to win the County Championship.

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