Wednesday 8th July

Wednesday, 8 July 2026 06:30

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

NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place this morning. The alert is in force from 9am and remains until 9pm on Sunday. The Met Office is also warning of high UV levels this week and is advising people to seek shade and avoid prolonged periods in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm.

A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted after being served legal papers. The group of vehicles arrived at Oak Tree Park earlier this month and prompted concerns from local residents. The section 77 notice allows local authorities to direct trespassers to vacate land and remove their vehicles.

Somerset Council has asked members of the public to stay away from the Saxonvale site in Frome, which suffered a large fire last week. The organisation - which owns the site - says there is potential contamination and issues with safety. The incident is still being investigated.

Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi. The supermarket has launched a public consultation on plans to build the store on land west of Furnham Road, forming the first phase of a wider redevelopment of the site. If approved, the retailer says it would invest up to £7 million and create around 40 new jobs. The factory has been vacant since the summer of 2021.

The Blackdown Education Partnership is congratulating its primary school pupils in South Somerset, after they took part in the first debating competition of its kind. An event last Monday involved schools from across the area, with pupils speaking on topics including whether mobile phones should be banned in school. Judges praised the contestants for their preparation, enthusiasm and ability to reason and challenge ideas.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more