Friday 30th January

Friday, 30 January 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Data from the weather centre at RNAS Yeovilton shows rainfall in Somerset was almost double the average for January. A disabled man is taking Somerset Council to the High Court, claiming its council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is seeking urgent support to replenish its stocks of hay... and more

Data from the weather centre at RNAS Yeovilton shows rainfall in Somerset was almost double the average for January. Rainfall recorded at Yeovilton in January is normally around 70 mm but this month so far 136 mm has been recorded. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has denied not acting quickly enough to prevent flooding in Somerset. The EA has come in for a lot of criticism on social media for its response to this week's heavy rain, with the Agency asking the public not to be abusive towards its staff.

A disabled man is taking Somerset Council to the High Court claiming its council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Andy Mitchell was exempt from paying council tax until he was switched to universal credit and now has to pay the tax at ninety percent. Somerset Council says it's undertaking a review of its council tax reduction scheme to ensure it remains fit for purpose and inclusive.

The CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has been speaking about their plans to leave Henstridge and fly the air ambulance from a new base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Charles Hackett says the deal secures access for them to the Yeovil site for the next 35 years, even if the Italian company pull out of the town, which it has threatened to do if the UK government fails to confirm an order for new medium lift helicopters.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is seeking urgent support to replenish its stocks of hay after heavy rain depleted its reserves. It says 1,000 bales of hay have been used this winter so far and that needs an additional 1,000 bales to get it through to late spring. An appeal to raise £5,000 to purchase the additional bales has been launched.

More from News

Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more