Friday 29th August

Friday, 29 August 2025 06:00

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.

The newly appointed Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Rachel Shields has spent two decades policing in Northern Ireland. Avon and Somerset Police has seen a decline in its public trust and confidence over the last few years but a recent inspection found a number of improvements including neighbourhood policing and crime prevention.

Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town earlier this month. The gas pipe work in the Old Town area has led to a road closure around the junction of Mill Lane and looks set to be closed for a number of weeks. Wales & West Utilities say the work needs to be undertaken to ensure the safety and reliability of the gas supply.

Meanwhile, a bakery in the town has permanently closed. Mortimer’s on Fore Street is now pointing customers to the nearest store in Crewkerne.

A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down. Philip Vaux based in South Petherton reckons he will lose 30 percent of his crops due to the hot weather and not being able to irrigate. The Met Office this week revealed provisional data that shows the UK had its hottest summer on record. Philip says in the past they've been able to sell at higher prices to make up for losses but not-so these days.

And continuing the potato theme, Yeovil Town player Josh Sims has received a sack of spuds in celebration of scoring the first league goal of the season. It used to be a club tradition, but died out. Now it's been revived by a local greengrocer to help celebrate the Glovers's 130th anniversary.

More from News

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.
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.
Tuesday 26th August

An investigation is underway after a man was found seriously injured in the Queensway Place area of Yeovil . A man has been charged with murder following an incident in South Petherton. Yeovil Town FC have confirmed that Mark Cooper has been relieved of his duties... and more.
Friday 22nd August

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
Thursday 21st August

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, says families and hospital staff should be given more information about re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital. Yeovil’s renal unit on the Lynx West Trading Estate has been told it must improve on safety. Organisers of a Live Aid concert held in Yeovil 40 years ago are trying to contact the bands that played at the event for a reunion...and more.
Wednesday 20th August

The NHS says twenty-six thousand people in the South West signed up to stop smoking in the past twelve months. A teenager from Yeovil has raised more than four thousand pounds for a new dialysis machine at Bristol Children's Hospital. Yeovil Town take on Brackley Town in a National League fixture this evening, kick off at Huish Park is 7.45...and more