Wednesday 22nd July

Wednesday, 22 July 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Two men have been jailed for stealing electrical items and cash from a property in Yeovil. Somerset Council has defended its use of Yeovil’s new performance area in The Triangle, in Lower Middle Street. Tintinhull Primary School, near Yeovil, has won a top national award for outdoor play... and more

Two men have been jailed for stealing electrical items and cash from a property in Yeovil. Taunton Crown Court heard that 43-year-old Wayne Shortland, from Yeovil, and 38-year-old Lewis Coombes, of Castle Cary, were caught on a doorbell camera breaking into a property in South Street on Sunday, March 22nd. Shortland has been jailed for three years and six months, while Coombes has been sentenced to three years.

Somerset Council has defended its use of Yeovil’s new performance area in The Triangle, in Lower Middle Street. At a full council meeting, Conservative opposition councillor Lucy Trimnell questioned why no events had been held there in recent weeks, including screenings of the World Cup and Wimbledon on the new Big Screen. She said people were confused because they had been told the former bandstand area would become a shared space for sports and other major live events. But Lib Dem Council Leader Bill Revans said showing the World Cup had not been feasible because of safety concerns and licensing arrangements.

Yeovil Community Church, which supports local homeless people, has welcomed new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s promise to “end rough sleeping in our country”. But Bridget Doney, who runs the church’s homeless project, says the issue is complicated and will be difficult to resolve.

A Somerset councillor jailed for his role in a Just Stop Oil protest on the M25 has resigned, triggering a by-election. Michael Dunk was one of two Green Party councillors elected to represent Frome West in May 2022. He was jailed for 26 months after activists climbed gantries on the M25 in November 2022, demanding an end to new fossil fuel projects. Mr Dunk was later released on licence and was able to attend council meetings. But after a failed appeal against his conviction, he has now officially stepped down. A by-election in Frome West is expected to be held later this year.

And Tintinhull Primary School, near Yeovil, has won a top national award for outdoor play. The school has received an OPAL Platinum Award for excellence in its outdoor play and learning environment.

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Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
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