Chard and Ilminster News
Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Cloudy periods predicted by Met Office for Chard this week
Chard weather forecast 28 Jan–1 Feb: Cloudy spells, light rain, highs up to 10°C, lows to 4°C, gusts reaching 32mph.
Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Adam Dance: The opening of Yeovil Diagnostic Centre is positive news
Yeovil Diagnostic Centre opens at Yeovil Hospital, offering 70,000+ NHS tests yearly for South Somerset and West Dorset. Faster scans, better local care.
Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Historic farmhouse and orchard for sale near Ilminster for £1.5m
Grade II listed Sea Mills Farm near Ilminster for sale at £1.5m: 16th-century farmhouse, water mill, barns, 15 acres, planning permission, orchard.
Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000French cabaret-inspired show coming to Yeovil next month
Cabaret-inspired dance show The Monocle brings 1930s Paris LGBTQ+ history to Yeovil’s Westlands on 3 Feb 2026.
Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Three-bed house with 'superbly appointed' kitchen for sale in Chard
Detached three-bedroom house for sale in Sopers Field, Chard, for £465,000. Features parquet flooring, ultrafast broadband, gardens, and parking.
Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:52:00 +0000Somerset Council relying on enforcement officers from West Midlands council
Somerset Council is relying on a council-owned enforcement company 150 miles away in Staffordshire to carry out most of its enforcement activity
Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Nominate your senior champion of the year!
In every community there are older residents who quietly hold everything together – and here's your chance to give them some deserved recognition.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000What's on in South Somerset this week: January 28-February 3, 2026
Discover top events in South Somerset this week, including quiz night, Chard antiques fair, Arsenal Legends, Steve Knightley live, and jazz in Ilminster.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Show blending cabaret, dance and live jazz coming to Yeovil
Rendez-Vous Dance’s 'The Monocle' is bringing cabaret, contemporary dance and live jazz to Yeovil.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Chess competition brings Scouts of all ages together
Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers competed at a District Chess Competition in Somerton.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:30:00 +0000Major incident declared as flooding causes serious disruption across Somerset
Parts of Somerset are underwater following heavy rain brought on by Storm Chandra, leading to road closures, school closures, evacuations, and further disruption.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:19:24 +0000Police officer accused of sending sexual messages to woman
An Avon and Somerset Police officer is to face a hearing accused of breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:21:21 +0000Ilminster residents rescued by fire crews due to severe flooding on Station Road
A group of volunteers is providing shelter for Ilminster residents who have been evacuated from their homes due to flooding after Storm Chandra hit Somerset.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:50:10 +0000Somerset Council officer left £1,000 in will of elderly resident
Somerset Council could review its policies regarding gifts and hospitality after one of its officers was left £1,000 by an elderly man
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:30:00 +0000New funding to help transform bus services across Somerset
Millions of pounds in new funding could help transform bus services across Somerset.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:32:37 +0000Nominate your environmental champion of the year!
All across our area there are people quietly rolling up their sleeves to protect and improve the environment – and here's how you can give them some recognition.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:05:00 +0000New weather warning issued for Somerset after storm
A new yellow weather warning has been issued for Somerset by the Met Office after a storm flooded many areas in the county.
Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:18:06 +0000Road closures and flood warnings in place as Storm Chandra hits Somerset
Multiple red and amber flood warnings and road closures have been put in place as Storm Chandra hits Somerset, amid yellow and amber weather warnings.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:00:55 +0000RECAP: Chard Town Council meets to discuss and decide 2026-27 budget
Chard Town Council will debate its 2026/27 budget at the Guildhall tonight. Councillors in attendance will also discuss flooding in Chard, alongside safety and security for residents.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:45:00 +0000How Storm Chandra is set to impact the weather in Somerset
Storm Chandra is set to hit the UK this week, leaving destructive wind and heavy rain in its path.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:52:01 +0000Chard student represents Somerset in South West Regional Future Chef Final
A Chard student has represented Somerset in the South West regional Future Chef Final.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:24:00 +0000Popular pub in Yeovil closing as it undergoes £376k renovation works
A popular pub in Somerset will be closing today as it undergoes significant renovation works worth £376,000.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000Group of friends take over popular South Somerset pub seen on Television
A group of friends has taken over a popular South Somerset pub seen on TV after nearly 20 years with the previous owners.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:26:00 +0000Somerset councillors gifted first class rail travel, cream teas and tapas
A wide range of gifts and hospitality has been accepted by elected Somerset councillors over the last six months
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:25:00 +0000Merger of seven Somerset GP surgeries delayed by legal issues
Seven Somerset medical centres were expected to formally merge in mid-January, but delays in the necessary legal processes have pushed this back
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:08:47 +0000Met Office issues new amber weather warning for parts of Somerset
Large areas of Somerset have been issued a new amber weather warning as adverse weather conditions are set to hit the county.
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:00:06 +0000Ilminster may get no vote on Somerset Council budget
Both Ilminster's division members have been granted a leave of absence - meaning the town may get no final say on next month's budget
Sun, 25 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Free half term activities for children returning to South Somerset
Free PlayDay events return to Somerset for February half term, offering creative workshops for children and families in Yeovil, Langport, Wincanton and Chard.
Sun, 25 Jan 2026 19:07:27 +0000Owner of Lordleaze Hotel reveals plans following proposal
The future of a hotel in Chard has been discussed after plans for partial demolition were revealed.
Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:05:46 +0000Asda Yeovil worker saves widow, 86, after she slipped
An ASDA worker in Somerset was quick to act after a pensioner slipped and banged her head.
Sun, 25 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Hospital fundraiser after 'incredible care' for eight-year-old with heart condition
A charity night will be taking place in Ilminster in aid of Bristol Hospital, which supported eight-year-old Cameron Manning, who has a rare heart condition.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Your Health, Your Choice: Act now or later face the cost of waiting
Most people regret not taking action on health and fitness, UK research shows. Discover why staying active boosts independence as you age.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000National Trust venues in Somerset welcome 2026 with activities
Discover Somerset National Trust events for February–March 2026, including workshops, family activities, tours and mindfulness sessions at key historic sites.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 12:01:17 +0000Large areas of Somerset to get heavy rain in new weather warning
Large areas of Somerset are at risk of flooding due to a new weather warning issued by the Met Office.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 09:54:00 +0000Lifeline for south Somerset carnival clubs as new sheds approved
Somerset Council has approved plans for a new facility near Ilminster to allow carnival clubs to construct and store its carts for the local carnival circuit
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Chard school hosts seventh art exhibition and invites Ilminster artists to judge
A primary school in Chard held its seventh annual art exhibition at Chard Guildhall, welcoming the community to celebrate the creativity of its pupils.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Nominate your business contribution in the community hero
Here's your chance to nominate a business contribution in the community hero in Somerset.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000Somerset residents invited to take part in BBC's Race Across The World
The BBC is looking for people to take part in a new series of Race Across the World - and they want people from Somerset.
Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Pictures - Nature poking its head out in mid-January
Gallery of photographs collated from Somerset Camera Club under the theme of nature
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Somerset Council urges public to weigh in on domestic abuse policy
Somerset Council makes final feedback call on its 2026–2029 domestic abuse strategy, seeking to improve prevention, protection and recovery services.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:16:00 +000011 major Somerset development sites held up by legal issues
Nearly 2,700 homes across 11 key sites in Somerset cannot be delivered legal agreements haven't been signed off, Somerset Council has admitted
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:11:00 +0000230 Chard homes approved for second time despite A30 safety fears
Gladman Developments claimed it could not safely provide a new pavement along the A30 Crewkerne Road - but Somerset Council wasn't standing for it
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:40:00 +0000Former Avon and Somerset PC barred after gross misconduct
A former Avon and Somerset Police officer will never be allowed on the force again following a gross misconduct hearing.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:07:51 +0000Send us your nominations for community champion of the year
Nominate someone you feel in the community that is pinnacle to the success of our communities - we want to help you to recognise their contributions.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:33:00 +0000Scheme to improve Yeovil station welcomed by council as 'vital step forward'
A Government‑funded scheme to improve passenger access at Yeovil Junction railway station has been welcomed as a “vital step forward”.
Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:15:08 +0000Radio 1 DJ Dean McCullough: 'I was homeless as a child - now I want to help others'
Growing up, and later, when he moved to London, Radio 1 presenter and DJ, Dean McCullough never had a fixed address and regularly faced the daunting prospect of sleeping on the streets.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Clinton Rogers column: Stuck in place – and footing the bill
Bristol Airport raises drop-off parking fees to £8.50, sparking debate on rising costs for motorists at airports, motorway services and hospitals across the UK.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Green Party candidate tours new diagnostic centre in Yeovil
Yeovil Diagnostic Centre opens, set to serve 70,000 South Somerset patients yearly with state-of-the-art NHS facilities and top energy efficiency standards.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Adam Dance welcomes accessibility investment at Yeovil Junction station
Adam Dance welcomes government funding for step free access at Yeovil Junction station under the Access for All programme, boosting rail accessibility.
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000Awards scheme unveiled to champion Somerset landscapes
CPRE Somerset launches the Love Your Countryside Awards to celebrate rural projects across Somerset for the charity’s centenary. Entries open until April 30.