Wednesday 24th June

Wednesday, 24 June 2026 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

Tuesday 22nd June

Police have appealed for information following an incident in Yeovil. The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning. Somerset Council in inviting locals to have their say on how the county could change in the future... and more
Monday 21st June

Somerset Council is set to lose tens of millions of pounds from selling off properties. Hundreds of people gathered at Glastonbury Tor to mark the summer solstice. The police and crime commissioner has expressed her support for a social media ban for under 16s.... and more
Friday 19th June

An amber heat health alert has been issued for Somerset with high temperatures expected to continue into next week. Schools across Somerset are taking part in a pilot scheme teaching children about money laundering. Ham Hill Country Park has been recognised with a top award for its efforts to protect the countryside... and more
Thursday 18th June

Children in care in Somerset are not receiving a good enough service, according to inspectors. NHS Somerset says dental care in the county is improving for the first time since the pandemic. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is holding a topless open-water swim...and more
Wednesday 17th June

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more
Tuesday 16th June

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas has been put up for sale... and more
Monday 15th June

People in Somerset are being asked to take part in a new survey about alcohol use. Yeovil's MP Adam Dance will lead a debate in Parliament today on NHS dentistry. A Yeovil runner has been selected to represent England at a national endurance championship... and more
Friday 12th June

It's claimed the increasing availability of drugs such as ketamine and cocaine has normalised drug use among young people in Somerset. The trial of a man accused of killing his one-month-old son in Chard begins today at Bristol Crown Court. A stone pillar outside the Langport Arms Hotel in Langport has been replaced after it was destroyed in a car crash... and more