Wednesday 3rd June

Wednesday, 3 June 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers during an arrest. Local magistrates heard that William Price, of Vincent Place in Yeovil, tried to headbutt one officer and kicked another in the groin during an incident at Wetherspoons in Lower Middle Street, Yeovil. Price admitted disorderly behaviour, and the case was adjourned until September 1st for a pre-sentence report.

The Environment Agency has identified three Somerset locations where large quantities of waste have been illegally dumped. The sites include Bridgwater, where 71 tonnes of tyres and soil have been left, Wedmore, where around 5,000 tonnes of soil have been deposited, and Bishop Sutton on the Mendips, where 2,000 tonnes of shredded plastic and industrial waste by-products have been tipped. All three sites feature on a national watchlist of 117 high-priority illegal dumping locations across England.

The government says it is developing a new strategy to tackle bovine tuberculosis as it prepares to end badger culling. The policy was first piloted in Somerset in 2013 before being introduced nationwide. The government says new scientific evidence suggests cattle are more likely to catch TB from other cattle rather than badgers. The announcement has been welcomed by opponents of the cull, including Somerset Badger Trust Chair Jenny Pike, who has campaigned against the policy since its introduction.

Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers through unpaid Section 106 agreements. The largest outstanding amount is linked to the Lake View Quarry development in Keinton Mandeville, where nearly £189,000 remains unpaid for community facilities. A further £41,000 is owed by Wyatt Homes towards sports facilities at its Brimsmore development in Yeovil.

And, the line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience. Taking place on the 13th and 14th of June, the event will feature food and craft stalls, live music, and a display of classic vehicles. Organisers are also marking the 80th anniversary of the Ferguson T20 tractor and are inviting local owners to take part in a special tribute display.

More from News

Tuesday 2nd June

Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group says a decision not to introduce mass screening for prostate cancer is the wrong one. A Martock woman has been banned from driving for 28 months. Somerset Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking the volunteers who help deliver council services... and more
Monday 1st June

People in Somerset with Football Banning Orders are being reminded they must surrender their passports by the end of today ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. A road in Yeovil will close for nine days later this week. Farmers from Somerset were among the winners of this year's ITV Britain's Got Talent final...and more
Friday 29th May

South Western Ambulance Service is struggling to cope after a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke says a shortage of rental homes is making it harder for rural employers to attract workers. The National Trust is warning that changing weather patterns are making it difficult to maintain the Cerne Abbas Giant... and more
Thursday 28th May

People are being asked to take extra care in parks and open spaces as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fire. Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Yeovil can now go ahead after a High Court challenge by Mudford Parish Council was dismissed. A Somerset bakery chain has sparked a reaction after it stopped making iced buns... and more
Wednesday 27th May

The UK Health Security Agency has increased its heat health alert for Somerset to amber. Trading Standards officers have shut down three shops in Taunton after illegal cigarettes and vapes were discovered on the premises. Bridgwater Town Council is considering running its own bus services...and more
Tuesday 26th May

A Martock agricultural machinery business has gone into administration, putting around thirty jobs at risk. A new sensory room has opened at a Yeovil schook to support neurodiverse pupils. The headteacher of a Chard primary school is stepping down... and more
Friday 22nd May

The National Farmers Union in Somerset has welcomed the government’s new trade deal with six Gulf countries. Campaigners say Somerset’s canals and locks are in urgent need new investment. The Liverpool comedian John Bishop is heading to Somerset later this year...and more
Thursday 21st May

Police are being asked to cut the time the M5 is closed following accidents. Plans to build a major solar farm near Chard have been thrown out. Aldi is asking shoppers to help find locations for new stores in Somerset...and more