Monday 7th September

Monday, 7 September 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. They say people are receiving phone calls from fraudsters claiming their personal information has been compromised, their bank accounts are at risk, or their details have been linked to criminal activity. In some cases, callers claim a suspect has been arrested and the victim’s details were found during the investigation. Police say genuine officers will never ask you to transfer money or reveal sensitive banking information over the phone. If you think you’ve received a scam call, contact the police non-emergency number on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also visit your nearest police station and speak to an officer in person.

Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Eligible patients are being contacted about having the jab. Mike Hewitson, a community pharmacist in Norton-sub-Hamdon, says getting vaccinated can help protect people from serious illness and keep them out of hospital.

Bridgwater Conservative MP Sir Ashley Fox says allowing carnival carts to use red diesel could help keep local carnival clubs operating. He’s calling on the government to add carnival carts to the list of vehicles permitted to use the much lower-taxed fuel. Duncan White, from Bridgwater’s Guy Fawkes Carnival, is due to meet government officials later this week to discuss the issue.

The Green Party has retained its seat in Frome West on Somerset Council following a by-election. Dominic Ellison was elected with 663 votes, beating Liberal Democrat Drew Gardner by 119. Reform UK finished third, with Labour and the Conservatives further behind. Turnout was just under 22 per cent. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Green Party councillor Michael Dunk, following his conviction over a Just Stop Oil protest.

And Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his upcoming show in Taunton after breaking his ankle. He was due to perform at Somerset County Cricket Club’s ground this Friday, alongside comedians Justin Moorhouse and Sally-Anne Hayward. Somerset County Cricket Club says all tickets will be refunded.

More from News

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

Audio

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
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more