Wednesday 3rd September

Wednesday, 3 September 2025 06:00

Yeovil’s MP, Adam Dance, will introduce his first Bill to Parliament next week, proposing dyslexia screening. The 2025 Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan referendum has won a massive majority in the town. Chard residents are being encouraged to report crime and antisocial behaviour...and more.

Yeovil’s MP, Adam Dance, will introduce his first Bill to Parliament next week, proposing dyslexia screening in schools. Mr Dance grew up with the condition and says the Bill would ensure no child in South Somerset, or countrywide, would be left behind. Currently, the only standardised check in primary schools is the phonics test, and campaigners argue it can overlook dyslexia, ADHD and other neurodivergent traits. The Bill will be presented on Wednesday, 10th September, after Prime Minister’s Questions.

The 2025 Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan referendum has won a massive majority in the town, with 82.9% of votes giving it the go-ahead. The plan is community-led and land-based and will seek guidance on future development, regeneration and conservation in the area. The development and funding of housing will be addressed over the next two years, alongside employment, across an area that includes the former Horlicks factory to the east of the town.

Police and community groups in Chard say they want more people to report low-level crime and antisocial behaviour. The Community Hub, Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service, local Village Agents and Citizens Advice have all been taking part in an event to try and engage more with the local community. Jeannie McManus is from Young Somerset and says they really want to improve the relationship.

Pregnant women and children in Somerset are being urged to get a flu jab this autumn. One thousand seven hundred eighty people were hospitalised in Somerset between September 2023 and March 2025 as a result of Flu or COVID-19. Vaccinations are now open to children aged between 2 and 3, school-aged children, and children with long-term health conditions to help them stay well during the winter months.

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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