Friday 1st November

Friday, 1 November 2024 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council is looking at new ways to ease traffic congestion on the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton. Bridgwater and Taunton College and Strode College in Street have announced plans to merge. The Westland Entertainment venue in Yeovil is selling tickets at £3 to make its shows more affordable for low-income families...and more

Somerset Council is looking at new ways to ease traffic congestion on the A358 between Ilminster and Taunton following the decision, announced in Wednesday's Budget, to cancel turning the road into a dual carriageway. The Council says it will shortly be submitting its proposals to National Highways. Somerset Council and various business groups had campaigned over many years for the A358 to be dualled, claiming it would give a major boost to Somerset’s economy.

Bridgwater and Taunton College and Strode College in Street have announced plans to merge. The Boards of Governors for both colleges have unanimously agreed to pursue the merger which will need final approval from the Secretary of State for Education.

A new series of the Hilary Mantel novel, Wolf Hall, which was filmed in Somerset, is soon to be shown by the BBC. The story, about the power, passion, and paranoia within the court of Henry the Eighth, was filmed at Montecute House, Barrington Court and Wells Cathedral.

The Westland Entertainment venue in Yeovil has announced a cut-price ticket offer to make shows more affordable for low-income families. The venue, now run by Yeovil Town Council, has launched an Accessible Ticket Scheme in partnership with social housing provider Abri, with tickets priced at just £3 to many of its shows and events.

A scheme’s been launched offering free swimming sessions to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Yeovil. The charity, Water Babies, is providing the sessions at no cost at the hydrotherapy pool at Fiveways School, with details of how to apply on the Water Babies website.

More from News

Wednesday 13th May

Concern's been expressed that too many of the 580 new council homes being built in Somerset will be clustered around Taunton and Bridgwater. Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman died following a crash on the M5. Haynes Motor Museum has been awarded £180,000 by The National Lottery to transform its Red Room gallery... and more
Tuesday 12th May

A member of Yeovil Town Council has appeared in court charged with two counts of assault. Health professionals in Somerset are urging people to take up the offer of a free NHS health check. Organisers of Somerset Day have welcomed the name Dunkery given to the dragon on the county flag...and more
Monday 11th May

New figures show a sharp increase in reports of drones interfering with critical air ambulance missions. The Liberal Democrats have retained the Mendip Hills seat on Somerset Council following a by-election. A woman from Chard has been recognised for her contribution to the community with an invitation to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace... and more
Friday 8th May

Police investigating a fire in Shepton Mallet are appealing for help to identify two people. Yeovil MP Adam Dance has called for more government support for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. This weekend sees the start of the Great Gardening Show at The Newt near Bruton...and more
Thursday 7th May

A disabled man has taken his case to the High Court, arguing that Somerset Council’s council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Bristol Airport says travellers planning summer holidays should not change their plans. Chard and Ilminster Amateur Boxing Club has launched a fundraising appeal,..and more
Wednesday 6th May

Pharmacists in Somerset say it's becoming difficult to get hold of some medications. The building used as Club Neo in Stars Lane in Yeovil has been put up for sale. Free gym memberships are being offered to people living with Parkinson's in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 5th May

An investigation has been launched following a suspected arson attack at Sherborne Police Station. Somerset Council is spending £2.3 million on 14 new road gritters. Ilminster Literary Festival is marking its tenth anniversary this year... and more
Friday 1st May

A Yeovil man has pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour towards two female paramedics. Police in Chard are appealing for the public’s help following a spate of thefts in the Henson Park area of the town. Pet store chain, Jollyes, is opening a new branch in Yeovil... and more