Wednesday 2nd October

    Only one person in Somerset has been prosecuted for fly-tipping in the last two years. A new law governing tips could make local service industry staff better off. Traffic was severely held up yesterday afternoon, after a collision on the A303... and more..

    Somerset Council has confirmed only one person in the county has been prosecuted for fly-tipping in the last two years. Enforcement was originally the responsibility of Somerset’s four district councils until the creation of the unitary authority last year. It’s thought that lack of evidence and enforcement resources mean it’s difficult to bring cases forward.

    Meanwhile, the Council will submit expressions of interest in devolution, alongside Dorset and Wiltshire councils, in response to a government request. The ambition is to unlock greater powers and resources for the area. Whilst the three councils have differing goals and ambitions for their respective regions, they have come together to explore the possibilities that could come from the Government’s devolution agenda.

    If you work in the service industry, a new law governing tips, could mean you're better off from now on. The Employment Act 2023 means that employers now have to make sure workers receive the full tip from a customer. It's thought it'll benefit around two million workers country-wide. Café staff in the area think that it’s important that tips are fairly shared out.

    And mid-afternoon commuters and school-run traffic was severely held up yesterday afternoon, after a collision on the A303, between Horton and the Southfields roundabout. The eastbound stretch had to be closed for a period between 3 and 5pm, but was reopened in time for rush hour. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.

    More from News

    • Friday 18th July

      EDF has completed another milestone in constructing the new 'Hinkley C' nuclear power plant near Bridgwater. The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire opens today with helicopters built in Yeovil on display. A road leading to Chard reservoir, shut two months ago for strengthening work to a dam wall, has re-opened...and more

    • Thursday 17th July

      Yeovil MP Adam Dance says he has serious concerns about plans that could see the closure of inpatient beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital. Ilminster residents are being asked to vote in a referendum on adopting a new neighbourhood plan for the town. An event in which people take part in a race against horses is returning to Somerset later this year...and more

    • Wednesday 16th July

      A children’s play area in Ilminster has been closed on safety grounds after badger setts were found on the land. Somerset Council sold off £90m of property assets last year to help fight off bankruptcy. Crewkerne Community Hospital could be turned into a neighbourhood health centre...and more.

    • Tuesday 15th July

      The fire service has blamed a discarded portable barbecue for starting a blaze at Ham Hill Country Park. A care home for people with autism and complex needs in Crewkerne has been rated 'good'. A seven-year-old Yeovil boy has set a new world record for completing the most number of consecutive sit-ups for his age group...and more

    • Monday 14th July

      Somerset Council is warning motorists against scanning QR codes at its car parks payment meters. Chard Town Council is spending £10,000 on short-term youth provision over the summer months. Former Yeovil Town player Marcus Stewart says he wants to continue raising money towards finding a cure for motor neurone disease...and more.

    • Friday 10th July

      A Yeovil woman has shared how she is still on the waiting list for a transplant, a year on. A Crewkerne community group saved two tonnes of food from landfill last month and gave it to residents in need. Yeovil Town have announced their fixture list for the 2025/26 season....and more.

    • Thursday 10th July

      The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for the South West. A former Cherry Farm in Chard has donated its netting and high-tensile wire to Somerset Aid for Ukraine. Somerset Council is moving forward with its next phase of plans for the county...and more.

    • Wednesday 9th July

      Demolition work at Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has been held up after two colonies of bees were discovered. Refurbishment of the town’s Dunelm store is underway. A teenager from Crewkerne has represented his country, winning a gold medal in a national boxing competition... and more.

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Light rain

      High: 20°C | Low: 12°C

    • Chard

      Heavy rain shower

      High: 20°C | Low: 11°C

    • Crewkerne

      Heavy rain shower

      High: 20°C | Low: 11°C

    • Somerton

      Heavy rain shower

      High: 21°C | Low: 11°C

    • Wincanton

      Light rain

      High: 20°C | Low: 11°C