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

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