Wednesday 8th July

Wednesday, 8 July 2026 at 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.

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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