Monday 10th August

Monday, 10 August 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A local councillor claims anti-social behaviour is putting people off coming into Yeovil town centre. South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban in the Chard area. Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stuck at one of its stations... and more

A local councillor claims that begging in Yeovil town centre is on the increase following the expiry of an order banning anti-social behaviour. Opposition Conservative member of Somerset Council for Wincanton and Bruton, Councillor Tom Power, says his constituents find Yeovil a less welcoming place to shop due to begging and drinking in the street. Somerset Council has confirmed that a Public Space Protection Order banning anti-social behaviour in Yeovil town centre has now expired but says it’s working with police and other partners to address concerns about the town centre.

South-West Water has announced a hosepipe ban as drought conditions continue. They supply areas of Somerset bordering Devon and Dorset, including Chard, with the majority of Somerset covered by Wessex Water, who have not yet introduced a hosepipe ban.

Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault in Yeovil. It happened when a man was attacked while walking from St Michael’s Avenue to Hawthorne Road on either Saturday the 25th or Sunday the 26th of July. If you can help the police, you’re asked to please call the non-emergency number 101.

Great Western Railway has apologised after a wheelchair user from Chard became stranded at Nailsea and Backwell station. Seventy-year-old Su Eccott was trying to transfer between platforms but there was no disabled access available. After waiting for more than an hour, another passenger helped her off the platform and down the stairs to the other side. GWR says it remains committed to improving accessibility at all its stations.

A Chard man has been fined forty pounds after admitting possessing cannabis. Appearing at Yeovil Magistrates Court, Jordan James, aged 26, of Dominy Close, pleaded guilty to possessing one-point-seven grams of cannabis in Chard in April.

Ilminster Town Council has shut the public toilets at the town’s recreation ground. It follows two vandalism incidents in which both the toilets and a fence around the tennis courts were damaged.

A new vineyard and wellness destination is set to open in Somerset next month. Thornfalcon Winery and Press, between Taunton and Ilminster, covers more than 40 acres and will offer food, wine and creative retreats.

More from News

Thursday 24th September

Somerset Council has approved a multi-million pound scheme to tackle flooding in the county. A person had to be transferred to hospital after an incident in Chard. A North Curry travellers’ site must be vacated by Christmas... and more.
Wednesday 23rd September

Police will take no further action after a year-long fraud probe in Glastonbury. Leonardo has chosen Somerset for its first international future talent programme. Three motorway services in Somerset have been rated as some of the worst in the country ... and more.
Tuesday 22nd September

Children with special needs could have a better chance of moving to a new school, without delay or disruption. A former Castle Cary pub is to be turned into a private house. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre may have to close at the end of next month... and more.
Monday 21st September

Wessex Water's contacting large businesses, asking them to use less water. A ‘serious collision’ closed a stretch of the A30 in both directions yesterday afternoon.Two Somerset charities have benefitted from a combined £64,000, thanks to the Leonardo Rising Stars.
Friday 18th September

Three people from Yeovil have been sentenced after admitting offences linked to the theft and illegal supply of prescription-only medicines. An ancient burial site on the Quantocks has been damaged. Chard Guildhall is open for public viewing today... and more
Thursday 17th September

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18,000 shoplifting offences have been recorded in the Avon and Somerset Police area in the last financial year. A Chard man has been sentenced for assaulting a police officer. Forefront Community Centre in Chard is celebrating 20 years of bringing people together in the town... and more
Wednesday 16th September

A pilot with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance says there will be 'catastrophic' consequences if laser pointers continue to be pointed at their aircraft. Plans to build forty new homes in the village of Curry Rivel have been given the go ahead. The owner of a ram called Rambo in Keinton Mandeville has thanked firefighters for rescuing him after he got stuck in a concrete pipe... and more
Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more