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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Friday 17th July

Plans have been submitted to build 30 new homes in Ashill. As the heatwave continues, a Somerset air conditioning business says demand for its services has never been higher. Morrisons has confirmed it will close its Glenthorne Avenue store in Yeovil on August 1st... and more
Thursday 16th July

Plans to build up to one hundred new homes on Yeovil's former cattle market have moved a step closer. It’s being made easier for parents in Somerset to register children for free school meals. Wessex Water says it has no plans for a hosepipe ban at the moment but is keeping a close eye on supplies as demand increases... and more
Wednesday 15th July

Bus passengers in Yeovil have been provided with easier access to the town's bus station. Firefighters are warning of an increased risk of wildfires because of the hot weather. Aldi is asking for public comments on plans to build a new food store in Chard... and more
Tuesday 14th July

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more
Monday 13th July

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more
Friday 10th July

The inquest into the death of a sex offender has returned an open conclusion. A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county. Ilminster Arts Centre has held its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event... and more
Thursday 9th July

A father who shook his baby to death has been convicted of murder. Local people at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat... and more
Wednesday 8th July

NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place. A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted. Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi... and more