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

Thursday 18th September

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road accident in Chard in which a 13-year-old boy fell from an e-scooter. People in Somerset are being asked for their views on building a second reservoir in Cheddar. A new exhibition celebrating 200 years of shoemaking in Somerset opens in Street today...and more.
Wednesday 17th September

The Environment Agency is being urged to rethink its decision to stop maintaining smaller rivers and streams in Somerset. South Western Railway, which runs trains through Sherborne, Yeovil and Crewkerne, has issued body cameras to more of its staff. Twelve new neighbourhood officers have joined Avon and Somerset Police...and more
Tuesday 17th September

Plans have been submitted to build 61 new homes between Montacute and Stoke-sub-Hamdon. Organisers of Langport Triathlon say it’ll be a few more days before they’re able to give out the results in the cycling section following a medical emergency in the crowd at Sunday's event. A new town crier is wanted in Wells...and more.
Monday 15th September

NHS Somerset says it’s 'fully committed' to re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital, but won't say when it will reopen. Water levels at Somerset's reservoirs have dropped below 50%, despite the recent heavy rain. A charity shop in Martock has reunited a long-lost compass with its owner after he lost it 70 years ago...and more
Friday 12th September

One of Somerset's most prominent horse trainers says planned tax increases on remote betting could be a ‘nail in the coffin’ for horse racing. An Ilchester man has been arrested in connection with a burglary in West Dorset. Somerset Council’s Chief Executive and other senior officers have been given a 3.2% pay rise...and more
Thursday 11th September

A bill put forward by Yeovil MP Adam Dance, calling for better awareness of pupil neurodivergent behaviour in schools, has passed its first reading in the Commons. Around 40 thousand people in Somerset could have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Dozens of bikers will take to the roads in Somerset this weekend in support of a breast cancer charity...and more
Wednesday 10th September

Yeovil Town Football Club has been given a two-year extension to buy back Huish Park from Somerset Council. A takeaway business in Bridgwater has been stripped of its licence after three employees were discovered working there illegally. A company in South Chard has been celebrating its 200th anniversary...and more
Tuesday 9th September

People are being asked to comment on proposals to introduce Sunday charges at Somerset Council-run car parks. A Pilton man has been jailed after cannabis valued at £28,500 was found at his home. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has started an appeal to raise £1 million...and more.