Friday 16th January

Friday, 16 January 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more

The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. The properties will be built on land to the north of the existing Hainbury Meadows housing scheme. It follows the signing of a 106 agreement in which the landowner will provide £424,000 for early years provision in the village and £640,000 to expand the primary school. An additional £426,000 will be allocated to improve youth facilities, including two new on-site play areas.

Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent each year. It says the increase will add an average of £10 to the council tax bill of a Band D property.

A survey has been launched to build a picture of people’s eating habits in Somerset. Run by the Public Health Team at Somerset Council, it surveys people’s food choices, with the results used to plan healthy living projects.

The UK's first Town of Culture competition has opened for entries. It’s similar to the UK’s City of Culture scheme, which Bradford won last year. The winning town will receive £ 1 million to deliver a year of cultural events in 2028.

The Friends of Chard Reservoir are looking for new members. The group serves as a hub for community engagement, focusing on enhancing health and well-being within the reservoir and nature reserve. Details on joining are available on the Friends of Chard Reservoir Facebook page.

Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama, available on Netflix from this week. The Seven Dials Mystery was filmed at several locations across Somerset, with major scenes set on the West Somerset Railway.

A new children’s soft play area is soon to open in Merriot. The owners of Play Haven Soft Play on Tail Mill Lane say it’s designed for children aged 11 and under.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more