Friday 7th March

Friday, 7 March 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Leader of Somerset Council has repeated his call for a reform of the way that councils are funded. Crimestoppers is stepping up efforts to help tackle violent crime in Somerset. A new radar satellite is playing a crucial role in collecting data about flooding in Somerset...and more

The Lib Dem Leader of Somerset Council, Councillor Bill Revans, has repeated his call for a reform of the way that councils are funded. It follows Somerset Council’s decision to increase its share of council tax by seven-and-a-half percent from next month.

A group in Somerset that supports men with prostate cancer says it is still important for men to get screened amid fears that rapid testing for prostate cancer might not always give an accurate result. Somerset Prostate Support Association says kits, sold as a way to make a quick check for prostate cancer at home, can give inconsistent and inaccurate findings.

A new radar satellite is playing a crucial role in collecting data about flooding in Somerset. The Sentinel-1C satellite, launched in December, has already delivered key data for monitoring the extent of flooding in the County with the data used to support local decision-making during emergencies.

Crimestoppers is stepping up efforts to help tackle serious violent crime in Somerset. It’s launched a new website and is asking people to report activities such as knife crime, gun crime, and the exploitation of vulnerable people. Crimestoppers is also asking people to use the website to report on illegally imported guns, converted blank-firing guns, and 3D-printed weapons and parts.

Ten nature reserves on the Mendips have installed a series of painted wooden adders to help prevent disturbance during the protected species' breeding season. At this time of year, the species comes out of hibernation and is more likely to be seen when out walking.

Entries are now open for this year’s Minster Miles 10K event, which takes place on Sunday, April 6th. Organisers hope to exceed last year’s record of 270 runners.

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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