Friday 9th October

Friday, 9 October 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A controversial new one-way traffic system in Bridgwater is to be changed back to a 2-way system. Plans to cut support funding to young carers in Somerset have been scrapped. A new website has been launched in Chard bringing together everything residents and visitors need to know about the town...and more

A new one-way traffic system in Bridgwater is to be altered after locals asked for it to be put back to a 2-way system. Somerset Council says the change to the Celebration Mile will only affect East Quay and Salmon Parade, and not the rest of the scheme.

The founder of a Somerset-based mental health charity says GP’s are not properly following guidelines for reporting suicides. Angie Clarke, who sits on the Parliamentary Group on Suicide and Self Harm Prevention, launched ‘Somewhere Somerset’ after her son James took his own life 3-years ago. The charity has published a leaflet signposting people to mental health support services. But Angie says opportunities to help those with mental health issues are often missed.

Plans to cut support funding to young carers in Somerset have been scrapped. It would have seen funding withdrawn to youth clubs and a scheme that supports children who look after family members. The decision not to proceed was made at a meeting of Somerset Council’s Executive, earlier this week.

A new website has been launched in Chard bringing together in one place everything residents and visitors need to know about the town. Chard.info is an online community information hub with details about local clubs, societies, churches, healthcare services, emergency services, banking, and library services. It also features travel updates, and links to local schools, and Chard Town Council.

Plans have been submitted to convert the site of a former motor home business in Ilminster into an electric vehicle charging hub. South West Motor Homes on the Southfields Enterprise Park next to Ilminster by-pass closed in July after 16 years trading. Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the plans within the next three months.

More from News

Thursday 8th October

Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally. Wells market has received national recognition...and more
Wednesday 7th October

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more
Tuesday 6th October

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more
Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.
Thursday 1st October

765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Wednesday 30th September

Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Tuesday 29th September

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.