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

Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more