Wednesday 10th June

Tuesday, 9 June 2026 at 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

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