Wednesday 5th August

Wednesday, 5 August 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner is backing the wider use of police drones in towns like Yeovil to help tackle crime. Visitor numbers at Somerset's tourist attractions are down by around sixty per cent so far this year. A gardening expert says it'll take much more than the occasional shower to revive Somerset's parched lawns, parks and open spaces...and more

Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clare Moody, has backed the wider use of police drones in towns like Yeovil to help tackle crime. She's welcomed a pilot scheme in Norfolk where officers are using drones to catch shoplifters and deal with anti-social behaviour. Ms Moody says the technology could become an important tool in keeping communities safe.

Somerset Council is selling one of its tenanted farms as part of efforts to raise money. Pond Farm, near Chard, includes a bungalow, farm buildings and eighty-three acres of land. The council says the property is being offered for sale in three separate lots on the open market.

Visitor numbers at Somerset's tourist attractions are down by around sixty per cent so far this year, according to Visit Somerset. The organisation has also recorded a fifteen per cent drop in enquiries through its website. Tourism contributes around fifty-five million pounds to the county's economy each year. Visit Somerset's Chief Executive, John Turner, says the figures are disappointing.

A Yeovil man is due to appear in court next month facing three charges, including being the owner of a dangerously out-of-control dog that allegedly attacked a man. Leyton Gale, of Monmouth Road, is also charged with assaulting a police officer in the execution of their duty and with criminal damage following an incident in St Michael's Road. No pleas were entered when the case was heard before magistrates in Yeovil.

A gardening expert says it'll take much more than the occasional shower to revive Somerset's parched lawns, parks and open spaces. After what's been described as the driest July on record, Michael Griffiths, author of The Easy Garden, says sustained rainfall will be needed before the county starts turning green again.

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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