Friday 22nd May

Friday, 22 May 2026 at 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.

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Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more