Wednesday 10th June

Tuesday, 9 June 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The public will be consulted on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding to tackle flooding in Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. New welcome signs have been installed at entrances to the Mendip Hills National Landscape... and more

Somerset Council says local communities will be at the heart of decisions on how best to spend fifty million pounds of government funding aimed at tackling flooding across the county. The money could be used to improve drainage systems and strengthen flood defences. The council says a wide-ranging public consultation will take place before decisions are made.

Leonardo in Yeovil says it stands ready to support the investigation into last week's crash of a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter, which claimed the lives of the three aircrew on board. The aircraft, built in Yeovil, was on a training flight when it came down in open countryside near Okehampton. Leonardo says the company will provide any assistance required to help investigators establish the cause of the accident.

Avon and Somerset Police are backing a new national road safety campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle fatalities. Since 2022, forty-six motorcyclists have been killed on roads across the force area. The campaign is urging drivers to show greater awareness and consideration for motorcyclists, as well as riders of e-scooters and e-bikes.

A public footpath in Yeovil will close for three days next week. The route between Mudford Road and Fairmead Road will be shut from Tuesday the 16th of June until Thursday the 18th, while Openreach carries out ducting work.

New signs have been installed at gateways to the Mendip Hills National Landscape. The markers feature brushed steel plates, displaying the updated National Landscape logo, and have been installed at nine locations as part of a rebranding project.

St John Ambulance is looking for youth leaders to work with young people and train the next generation of lifesavers. Vacancies are available in Shepton Mallet, Wells, Street and Yeovil.

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