Friday 22nd May

Friday, 22 May 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The National Farmers Union in Somerset has welcomed the government’s new trade deal with six Gulf countries. Campaigners say Somerset’s canals and locks are in urgent need new investment. The Liverpool comedian John Bishop is heading to Somerset later this year...and more

The Chairman of the National Farmers Union in Somerset has welcomed the government’s new trade deal with six Gulf countries. Mark Humphreys says the agreement, which has taken four years to negotiate, could provide a major boost for farmers and food producers across the region. Export tariffs on products including Cheddar cheese and butter are expected to be cut by up to ninety per cent. Mr Humphreys says the deal sounds positive for the agricultural sector, but he wants to study the full details before giving it his complete backing.

There’s concern in two Somerset villages over plans to build up to fifteen hundred new homes close to the new Jaguar Land Rover electric car battery factory near Bridgwater. Residents in Woolavington and Puriton fear the development could dramatically change the character of the area and effectively turn the villages into a small town. Somerset Council is expected to decide on the proposals within the next few weeks.

Campaigners say Somerset’s canals and locks are crumbling and urgently need investment. Three locks, including those at Maunsel and Firepool, are said to be at risk of failure if repairs are not carried out soon. The Somerset Canal and Rivers Trust says the waterways are historically important and vital for tourism and wildlife across the county.

The Liberal Democrat leader of Somerset Council, Councillor Bill Revans, has reshuffled his top team for the final time before next year’s local elections. Most members of the nine-person executive are staying in their current roles. Councillor Sarah Wakefield continues overseeing adults’ services and housing, while Councillor Heather Shearer remains responsible for children, families and education. Councillor Mike Rigby keeps his economic development and planning brief, with Councillor David Woan staying on as deputy. Councillor Steve Ashton becomes assistant portfolio holder for climate change, while Councillor Nicola Clark remains responsible for culture and leisure, including the ongoing regeneration of Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre.

The Liverpool comedian John Bishop is heading to Somerset later this year. He’ll perform for one night only at Taunton’s County Ground on Friday the 11th of September.

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