Monday 20th April

Monday, 20 April 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

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

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage and improve traction for drivers. Surface dressing is a nationally recognised technique for sealing a road, involving coating the surface with bitumen, covering it with stone chippings, and then rolling it. It improves skid resistance and prevents water from getting under the road surface, which is crucial in stopping potholes from forming. Roads in our area that are to be treated include the A30 Crewkerne Road near Chard, the A37 Ilchester Road at Chilthorne Domer, Cartgate Link Road in Yeovil, and the A37 Dorchester Road in Yeovil. A full list of the roads to be resurfaced can be viewed on the Somerset Council website.

Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three choices. Somerset Council says that of the 4,938 applications received, 4,710 were given places at their first-choice school, 162 at their second-choice school, and 38 at their third-choice school.

People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer. The People’s Trust for Endangered Species charity is particularly keen to receive records from churchyards, cemeteries, and allotments.

A new trail guide exploring UNESCO sites in the South West has been launched. The route has been designed by Great Western Railway to encourage ‘greener’ travel.

A number of roads in North Cadbury are set to close for cabling works from today. Woolston Road, Sandbrook Lane, Parish Hill, High Street, and Cutty Lane will be closed to traffic on various dates from today until Thursday, May 21, as Wessex Internet carries out cabling work.

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