Monday 13th July

Monday, 13 July 2026 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

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more