Wednesday 26th August

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 06:30

Two people have been arrested and released under investigation after the death of a baby in Crewkerne. A large sand picture of the prime minister has appeared in Burnham On Sea. The wet winter and hot summer means cider producers are struggling with their yields... and more.

Two people have been arrested and released under investigation after the sudden and unexplained death of a baby in Crewkerne. Avon and Somerset Police were called to a property in the town by the ambulance service, shortly before 2.45pm on Sunday August 16th. The child was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are treating the cause of death as unexplained following an initial forensic postmortem examination. A spokesman for Avon & Somerset Police said “we would politely ask people not to speculate around the circumstances because there is still a great deal of information we need to ascertain and review to further our understanding of what occurred”.

A large sand picture of the prime minister has drawn some curious looks after it appeared on Burnham on Sea’s beach front on Monday. Campaign group 38 Degrees wants to highlight what it calls 'the national sewage crisis’. The sand drawing showed Andy Burnam’s face and said 'Burnham-on-Sewage' - but was washed away by the tide in the afternoon. The Environment Agency has responded saying it’s working to improve water quality in the area.

The wet winter followed by the long, dry, hot summer - means cider producers are struggling with their yields Whilst cider sells well in the summer months, producers are concerned at the lack of apples growing in their orchards ahead of the autumn harvest.

Two and half thousand people have signed a petition calling on the government to urgently rebuild Taunton's maternity unit - after a report identified it as one of the worst in England. The government says it is working to a 'realistic and deliverable' timeline to deliver the new unit.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s charity gala evening is returning to Ilminster this autumn, following a successful 2025 outing. The event helps raise money to support hundreds of animals in need and the charity is keen for locals to buy tickets, saying the gala at the Shrubbery Hotel on Friday October 16th is essential to the sanctuary’s continued operations.

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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