Wednesday 8th Juuly

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.