Tuesday 6th October

Tuesday, 6 October 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. William, who is patron of 'Ready Together' will join volunteers taking part in a training exercise and later visit Sweet Surprise, a town centre café that provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. His visit will conclude at Ilminster Fire Station, where he will learn about the technology used to forecast the risk of wildfires.

Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it is confident that it will emerge stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Ofsted says the school was failing to provide an acceptable standard of education, and that leaders had not demonstrated the capacity to secure the necessary improvements. But the school says Ofsted has also recognised strengths, including a welcoming and safe culture, good behaviour, and pupils who are engaged and enthusiastic about learning.

Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk, with batteries and needles being wrongly thrown away. Waste firm SUEZ, which operates the county's recycling sites, says the problem has worsened over the past five years.

Brave Santas are being invited to take a 60-foot leap down Cheddar Gorge this Christmas, in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice Care. The charity’s Santa Abseil returns on Saturday, December 5th, with no previous experience needed. Details are available on the St Margaret’s Hospice website.

Work has started digging two trenches along the M5 to lay cables across to the new Agratas car battery-making factory at Bridgwater.

More from News

Friday 9th October

A controversial new one-way traffic system in Bridgwater is to be changed back to a 2-way system. Plans to cut support funding to young carers in Somerset have been scrapped. A new website has been launched in Chard bringing together everything residents and visitors need to know about the town...and more
Thursday 8th October

Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally. Wells market has received national recognition...and more
Wednesday 7th October

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more
Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.
Thursday 1st October

765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Wednesday 30th September

Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Tuesday 29th September

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.