Friday 30th January

Friday, 30 January 2026 at 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

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
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