New data shows that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area is at an all-time high. Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard has issued a warning to prospective pet owners ahead of Christmas. The owner of four pubs in Somerset has warned that many could be forced to shut unless the government reconsiders business rates...and more.
New data shows that crime in the Avon and Somerset police area is at an all-time high. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that, for the year ending March 2025, the crime severity score in Avon and Somerset was 18.4, the highest figure on record. Avon and Somerset Police says the figures reflect increased confidence in reporting crimes, and more accurate crime recording.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard has issued a warning to prospective pet owners ahead of Christmas. Data from the RSPCA show a 23% rise in animals being abandoned following the festive season last year. Ferne Animal Sanctuary advises that, to prevent unsuitable animal gifts at Christmas, prospective owners should consider the long-term responsibilities of pet ownership.
The owner of four pubs in Somerset has warned that many could be forced to shut unless the government reconsiders business rates. Millie Coward says that at just one of her pubs, her costs will rise by £24,000 over the next twelve months.
People have until the end of this week to comment on plans to turn part of the County Hall in Taunton into flats for NHS workers. C-Block was sold by Somerset Council earlier this year as it was no longer needed. The £1.7m raised from the sale has been used to reduce the authority's budget deficit.
Somerset Cricket Club has awarded their captain, Lewis Gregory, a testimonial year in 2026. Lewis has scored more than 7500 runs and taken 637 wickets for the County. Playing for England in 12 white ball appearances, he scored in excess of 160 runs, taking six wickets.
Parcel business, Evri, has been criticised by Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke over what she claims have been ‘widespread delivery failures’. Demand for mental health support provided by South Western Ambulance Service is running at record levels. A nine-year-old Somerset boy has completed 100 days of litter picking for charity...and more
Toolstream in Yeovil has been put into administration, threatening the jobs of dozens of employees. NHS Somerset has issued a last chance call for people to get a flu jab after hospital admissions increased by 76% in a week. Police are investigating the theft of a bike valued at £7,000 in Sherborne... and more
The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Wednesday 17th December
Monday 15th December
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