Local News Friday 13th January

    Citizens Advice in Somerset says it is getting a higher-than-average number of calls from people saying they can no longer afford to top-up their electricity prepayment meters. A group of disabled people has formed Somerset’s first-ever wheelchair rugby team. Martock Library is to shut for two months for a major upgrade. Two wassailing events take place locally this weekend. Plans have been submitted to build 8 new homes in the village of Hatch Beauchamp...and more

    Citizens Advice in Somerset says it is getting a higher-than-average number of calls from people saying they can no longer afford to top-up their electricity prepayment meters. The charity is calling for a ban on forced prepayment meter installations until new protections for users are introduced. 

    A group of disabled people has formed Somerset’s first-ever wheelchair rugby team. The team will compete in the sport's National League beginning in June against sides from all around England. 

    Martock Library is to shut for two months for a major upgrade. The library will be closed from Wednesday the 15th of February to Tuesday the 11th of April for the improvements to be carried out.

    Two wassailing events take place locally this weekend. The ceremonies, aimed at waking fruit trees from their winter slumber and to scare away evil spirits, ensuring a good harvest, take place at the Bere Cider Company in Aller, near Langport, tomorrow, and in Chard at the community orchard next to Chard Museum on Sunday. Both events start at around 5 pm and if you plan to take part you’re asked to take along some pots, pans, and drums to make some noise and help wake up the trees.

    People living near the site of Glastonbury Festival have until the 31st of January to comment on a planning application to make the site permanent for the festival. Since its launch, Glastonbury Festival has operated on temporary licences issued by Mendip District Council, with the current licence ending in 2024.

    Plans have been submitted to build 8 new homes in the village of Hatch Beauchamp. A site measuring 1.4 hectares has been identified off Station Road for development. A previous application to build 12 homes on the site in 2019 was turned down

    A new head has been appointed to run the region’s ambulance service. Stephen Otter, who was previously the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police has taken on the role of Chair of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

    More from News

    • Friday 25th April

      Police are investigating the theft of a motorbike in Ilminster. Tributes have been paid to the former Yeovil Town player-manager, Cecil Irwin, who has died aged 83. Town criers from across the South West will be in Yeovil tomorrow competing for the loudest voice in the Yeovil Town Crier Competition 2025...and more

    •  Thursday 24th April

      Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in which a child was struck by a car in Yeovil. This week, a planning inquiry is being held into plans to turn a Somerset shopping centre into a retirement complex. A Somerset woman is planning to walk the 70-miles of Hadrian's Wall to mark her 90th birthday...and more.

    • Wednesday 23rd April

      Tourism bosses in Somerset say they feel confident the County will have a good summer for visitors this year. A group representing care providers in Somerset is warning that some residential homes are at risk of going out of business due to rising costs. A Somerset animal charity has taken into care, three orphaned badger cubs...and more.

    • Tuesday 22nd April

      The Care Quality Commission has given two GP practices in Yeovil a 'good' overall rating. According to insurers, AXA, thefts at commercial premises in Somerset are on the rise. Bus users in Somerset could see changes to the frequency of services when the new West of England mayor takes office. Martock is to host its first Pride event in June...and more.

    • Thursday 17th April

      The father of a one-month-old baby boy in Chard is to stand trial for the murder of his son. New figures show that just under 1300 crimes were reported to the Police in Yeovil during the final quarter of last year. A night in a prison cell is offered at Shepton Mallet Jail to those who want to be alone this Easter...and more.

    • Wednesday 16th April

      Big changes are being made to where taxi ranks in Yeovil are located. Farmers are being told to keep an extra lookout for people acting suspiciously following the latest livestock theft near the Devon and Somerset border. Channel 4’s Location Location Location is coming to Somerset, with anyone looking to buy a property locally invited to apply to be in the show...and more

    • Tuesday 15th April

      A 36-year-old man remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of a sexual assault in Yeovil. Yeovil Labour Club has had its drinks licence revoked. NHS Somerset has been taking its physiotherapy team around the county to cut waiting times for patients. A men-only cooking course has been launched in Sherborne with all ingredients and equipment provided free of charge...and more

    • Monday 14th April

      A new banking hub has opened in Crewkerne. South Western Ambulance is asking people to only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency over the Easter weekend. £1.8 million is being spent improving walking and cycling routes around a major new housing development at Up Mudford in Yeovil...and more

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Light rain

      High: 16°C | Low: 6°C

    • Chard

      Light rain

      High: 15°C | Low: 6°C

    • Crewkerne

      Light rain

      High: 15°C | Low: 6°C

    • Somerton

      Light rain

      High: 16°C | Low: 7°C

    • Wincanton

      Light rain

      High: 16°C | Low: 6°C

    Recently Played