Wednesday 24th June

Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at 06:30

Somerset Council has activated its ‘Severe Weather Emergency Protocol’. Many schools are closing their doors for 48 hours. Great Western Railway is advising essential travel only... and more

Somerset is facing what could be record temperatures for June over the next 48 hours. The amber warning that was in place at the beginning of the week has risen to red today, meaning there is risk to life. The county’s health officials are telling us that the alert should be taken seriously, with many schools closing their doors both today and tomorrow. Meanwhile, Great Western Railway is advising people to travel only if absolutely essential.

Somerset Council has activated its ‘Severe Weather Emergency Protocol’ which provides enhanced help for those sleeping rough during the extreme heat. And the Council’s waste contractors say that bin collections will take place between 6am and midday, today and tomorrow – and rubbish and garden collections that are not completed on either day will be collected on Saturday. All 16 recycling sites in the county will also be closed from 12pm, today and Thursday.

Looking back to last month, the May heatwave reportedly caused a stretch of the A30 between East Chinnock and Haselbury Plucknett to melt. This, and the current high temperature, is preventing repairs from being completed, and creating a hazard for motorists. Warning signs have been erected until the hot weather cools off.

Plans to revamp part of a Somerset holiday park with a theatre, bar and new entertainment facilities have been revealed. According to Brean Leisure Park Ltd's application, the external, and existing entertainment facility, called RJ's, will be redeveloped and extended. A decision is expected to be made by 9 July.

56 new homes could now be built, north of Bradley Hill Lane in Somerton. The plans have been unanimously backed by local councillors at the second time of asking, The council’s planning committee originally deferred a decision in late-April, asking for more information on access arrangements and that child safety concerns were addressed, with the proposed development being so close to a primary school.

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