Monday 13th July

Monday, 13 July 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments it inherited from Somerset’s former district councils. Since becoming a unitary authority in 2023, Somerset Council has sold 28 of its 48 investment properties, raising more than £125 million. While several properties sold above their market valuation, falling property values and borrowing costs led to overall losses. The council says rental income means the programme has still delivered a positive return of more than £17 million, with proceeds helping fund frontline services.

Planning permission has been granted to turn the former Clay Pigeon Karting Track, off the A37 on the Somerset and Dorset border, into a holiday park. The development will include 226 holiday chalets and a caravan park on land previously used by Clay Pigeon Raceway and the former shooting ground. The venue is well known as an early training ground for Formula One drivers Lando Norris and Jenson Button.

The fire service is warning that the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires. It follows a blaze in Ilminster at the weekend in which an electricity pylon, conifer trees, and a hedgerow were damaged.

Drivers are being advised that the main A361 road at Burrowbridge on the Somerset Levels is now closed for new traffic lights to be installed at the bridge. The route linking the A39 towards Street and Glastonbury with the A372 to Langport will remain closed until the end of September. The existing kerbs near the bridge are also being widened as part of the work.

Somerset Council has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to its Council Tax Reduction Scheme for working-age adults on low incomes. The authority says the changes would reduce support for some households to help prioritise funding for the most vulnerable. The consultation is open until the 28th of September.

And one of Somerset's best-loved walking routes is in the running to be named one of Britain's favourites. The Strawberry Line on the Mendips has been shortlisted by the Ramblers Association in a nationwide competition. Public voting is now open, with the winner due to be announced in November.

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