Friday 9th January

Friday, 9 January 2026 06:00

A Yeovil man has been arrested and then de-arrested after a collision in Dorset. A Somerset food manufacturer could be expanding its Wincanton base. A new dementia-friendly choir has been launched in Yeovil...and more.

A Yeovil man has been arrested and then de-arrested after a collision in Dorset. The incident occurred on the evening of December 18th and involved a white Range Rover and a blue Renault Clio on the A30, between Castle Town Way and Osborne Road. A man and a woman in their 30s, alongside two children, were taken to the hospital for treatment for serious injuries. They have since been discharged. Dorset Police have confirmed a man aged in his 40s from Yeovil was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and was subsequently de-arrested. He is continuing to assist officers with their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police.

A major Somerset food manufacturing company could be expanding its existing base in Wincanton and creating up to twenty local jobs. Jardox operates from Wincanton Business Park and has submitted plans to build a new warehouse west of its current building, with Somerset Council expected to make a ruling on the proposals in a matter of months.

Somerset Council is encouraging residents to add volunteering to their New Year's resolutions, as a rewarding way to give back, learn more, and connect with their community. There is a wide range of roles available, from helping children and young people to protecting and enhancing the environment and promoting arts and culture. Details are available on the Council website.

Ilminster Town Council is seeking people who deserve recognition for the difference they make in the town. Entries for the Ilminster Citizen’s Award 2026 and the Bradley Cullen Youth Citizen Award are now open. Nomination forms can be picked up from Council offices in the town, by phone, or by email.

Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue have announced the launch of a new dementia-friendly choir. The Octagon Memory Choir aims to support people living with dementia or memory challenges, alongside their family and carers, with weekly singing sessions, accompanied by live music and led by trained music specialists. The sessions are reported to create a sense of community, help reduce loneliness, unlock memories and ease anxiety. The choir will meet on Friday mornings starting at the end of this month.

More from News

Friday 30th January

Data from the weather centre at RNAS Yeovilton shows rainfall in Somerset was almost double the average for January. A disabled man is taking Somerset Council to the High Court, claiming its council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is seeking urgent support to replenish its stocks of hay... and more
Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more