Monday 20th April

Monday, 20 April 2026 at 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.

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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