Thursday 16th April

Thursday, 16 April 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Wessex Water has been told to pay £300,000 after a sewer spilled into the River Yeo killing dozens of fish. The Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton has been given a grant of half a million pounds. Today marks the official opening of the new visitor centre at Ham Hill... and more

Wessex Water has been told to pay £300,000 after a backed-up sewer spilled into the River Yeo near Milborne Port, killing dozens of fish. The company has also been ordered to pay £6,500 towards the costs incurred by the Environment Agency in investigating the incident. The agency says the money paid by Wessex Water will be used by the Yeovil Rivers Community Trust to create reedbeds and ponds at Yeovil Country Park, including work to protect endangered water voles.

A consultant at Musgrove Park Hospital wants surgical caps worn in operating theatres to display the name of the staff member wearing them. Andy Stevenson, an orthopaedic surgeon at Musgrove Park, says not knowing the names of colleagues during an operation can contribute to mistakes, delays and unnecessary anxiety.

The Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton has been given a grant of half a million pounds by the government. The funding will be used to install new LED stage lighting, providing theatre-goers with ‘West End quality’ lighting.

A café in Langport has started a Meals on Wheels service, delivering hot dinners to local residents. The Angel Café runs the service two days every week. Anyone wanting a meal delivered should visit the Angel Café website to make a booking.

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has called for more police to tackle knife crime. The government says that since it came to power, knife crime has fallen by 8%. However, Mr Dance says it remains a significant problem and that more officers are needed to bring it under control.

Today marks the official opening of the new visitor centre at Ham Hill. The centre, which cost one million pounds, offers space for learning and celebrates the heritage of the Iron Age hill fort. John Day, a long-serving volunteer at Ham Hill, will perform the opening.

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Monday 18th May

The RSPCA is investigating after eleven newborn puppies were abandoned in Snowdon Park in Chard. Major funding has been announced for a new two-year arts programme in Yeovil. Plans have been unveiled to improve sports facilities at Somerton Recreation Ground...and more
Friday 15th May

A fire that damaged two vehicles in Chaffcombe near Chard is being treated as deliberate. A road in Hardington Mandeville is set to re-open today after being closed for three days. Friends, family and colleagues of a Royal Navy officer based at RNAS Yeovilton are taking on a 630-mile coastal challenge in her memory... and more
Thursday 14th May

Somerset Council has defended spending nineteen million pounds on consultants over the past three years. A new clinic specialising in sexual health has opened in Yeovil. RNAS Yeovilton has been in the TV spotlight this week after featuring on Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr...and more
Wednesday 13th May

Concern's been expressed that too many of the 580 new council homes being built in Somerset will be clustered around Taunton and Bridgwater. Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman died following a crash on the M5. Haynes Motor Museum has been awarded £180,000 by The National Lottery to transform its Red Room gallery... and more
Tuesday 12th May

A member of Yeovil Town Council has appeared in court charged with two counts of assault. Health professionals in Somerset are urging people to take up the offer of a free NHS health check. Organisers of Somerset Day have welcomed the name Dunkery given to the dragon on the county flag...and more
Monday 11th May

New figures show a sharp increase in reports of drones interfering with critical air ambulance missions. The Liberal Democrats have retained the Mendip Hills seat on Somerset Council following a by-election. A woman from Chard has been recognised for her contribution to the community with an invitation to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace... and more
Friday 8th May

Police investigating a fire in Shepton Mallet are appealing for help to identify two people. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has called for more government support for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. This weekend sees the start of the Great Gardening Show at The Newt near Bruton...and more
Thursday 7th May

A disabled man has taken his case to the High Court, arguing that Somerset Council’s council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Bristol Airport says travellers planning summer holidays should not change their plans. Chard and Ilminster Amateur Boxing Club has launched a fundraising appeal,..and more