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

Monday 8th June

Plans for a new railway station in Langport remain stalled in Whitehall, according to Somerset Council. Plans to build 50 new homes in Broadway, near Ilminster, have been refused. The new water fountains in Yeovil’s Triangle, in Lower Middle Street, are being switched off during very hot weather because of safety concerns... and more.
Friday 5th June

A new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne says it won’t start operating at full capacity until July due to staff shortages. Somerset Council says it has no plans to show England matches in the World Cup on the Big Screen in Yeovil town centre due to safety concerns. A Somerset family has been thanked after completing a 73-mile walk raising money for a third world charity... and more
Thursday 4th June

An investigation continues today into the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter, based at RNAS Yeovilton, in which all three aircrew were killed. Somerset Council has confirmed that a new operator will take over several leisure centres across the county. The new live-action Masters of the Universe movie, filmed in Somerset, is released this week...and more
Wednesday 3rd June

A Yeovil man has appeared in court charged with assaulting three police officers. Somerset Council has begun legal action to recover more than £320,000 owed by housing developers. The line-up has been announced for this year’s Ilminster Midsummer Experience...and more
Tuesday 2nd June

Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group says a decision not to introduce mass screening for prostate cancer is the wrong one. A Martock woman has been banned from driving for 28 months. Somerset Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking the volunteers who help deliver council services... and more
Monday 1st June

People in Somerset with Football Banning Orders are being reminded they must surrender their passports by the end of today ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. A road in Yeovil will close for nine days later this week. Farmers from Somerset were among the winners of this year's ITV Britain's Got Talent final...and more
Friday 29th May

South Western Ambulance Service is struggling to cope after a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke says a shortage of rental homes is making it harder for rural employers to attract workers. The National Trust is warning that changing weather patterns are making it difficult to maintain the Cerne Abbas Giant... and more
Thursday 28th May

People are being asked to take extra care in parks and open spaces as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fire. Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Yeovil can now go ahead after a High Court challenge by Mudford Parish Council was dismissed. A Somerset bakery chain has sparked a reaction after it stopped making iced buns... and more