Friday 22nd August

Friday, 22 August 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Six hundred parking spaces could be lost in Yeovil town centre if plans to build new homes on public car parks go ahead. The Environment Agency is to stop maintaining some rivers and streams in Somerset to save money. People in Somerset are being warned about a scam involving fake communications from the tax authorities...and more

Six hundred parking spaces could be lost in Yeovil town centre if plans to build new homes on public car parks go ahead. Somerset Council has identified the Court Ash and North Lane car park, the Glovers Walk car park, the car park next to the former Wilko store on Middle Street, the Stars Lane car park and the Box Factory car park for residential development. The Council says closing the car parks and using the land for building will deliver 300 new homes. A consultation on the proposals will be launched at an event at Super Saturday in Yeovil on September 20th.

The Environment Agency is to stop maintaining some rivers and streams in Somerset to save money. The EA says the work, which includes removing overgrowth, doesn't have a big enough impact on flood prevention to make it financially viable.

People in Somerset are being warned about a scam involving fake communications from the tax authorities. HMRC says fraudsters are targeting individuals with fake refund offers in an attempt to steal personal information. They’re urging people completing tax returns to stay alert to scam emails and texts offering fake tax refunds.

Taunton Crown Court is likely to remain closed for some considerable time. During the repair to the building, further structural damage has been uncovered that will delay its re-opening until July next year.

A Chard family are hosting a charity event in memory of their father. The Warren family have held coffee mornings in memory of Guy Warren every year since 2016, raising money for Macmillan. This year’s coffee morning is being held at Chard Guildhall on Saturday, September 13th, with actor Martin Clunes making a guest appearance.

More from News

Friday 5th September

A large water leak in Yeovil closed part of Middle Street last night whilst repairs took place. A Somerset MP has been voicing his concerns over warnings of future flood dangers in the county. The Wincanton branch of Lidl could be demolished to be replaced with a bigger store...and more.
Thursday 4th September

A new leisure complex on the edge of Yeovil will be built, after plans were approved by Somerset Council. Landmarks across the south-west will be illuminated from Monday to mark Air Ambulance Week. YAOS are hoping to trace passengers stranded at Gander Airport in Newfoundland after the 9/11 attacks...and more.
Wednesday 3rd September

Yeovil’s MP, Adam Dance, will introduce his first Bill to Parliament next week, proposing dyslexia screening. The 2025 Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan referendum has won a massive majority in the town. Chard residents are being encouraged to report crime and antisocial behaviour...and more.
Tuesday 2nd September

An ex-Somerset MP who quit politics after allegations of sexual misconduct has died suddenly. The A378 in Langport has now reopened after extensive work. Crewkerne’s annual Charter Fair, which can be traced back to Saxon times, returns this weekend...and more.
Monday 1st September

The taps are back on in Yeovil, after large parts of the town were left without water on Friday. South Somerset is now considered the UK’s top alternative to the Cotswolds. Yeovil is gearing up for the return of its Literary Festival this October...and more.
Friday 29th August

The Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town. A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down... and more.
Thursday 28th August

A Marston Magna man who fell ill on holiday has died. A film of Yeovil’s fundraiser for famine relief is being screened tonight, forty years on. A South Somerset contestant has been ranked fifth place at the World’s Strongest Man (Natural) contest...and more.
Wednesday 27th August

Concerns are being raised over the maintenance of the River Cary, following reports of planned cutbacks. It could be an earlier harvest for Somerset cider growers this autumn after a warm summer. The Teals Farm Shop has revealed plans to broaden its services...and more.