Monday 29th June

Monday, 29 June 2026 06:30

Somerset Council’s Executive is being asked to approve a major SEND investment package. Taunton Brewhouse has reached its twenty thousand pound fundraising target. A crash on the M5 northbound at the weekend caused 75 minute delays for drivers... and more

Somerset Council’s Executive is being asked to approve a major one-off investment package to strengthen support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in the county. The proposals would provide over £5 million of funding to increase capacity across the SEND system, tackle existing backlogs and provide more support for those preparing for adulthood. If approved, the funding would be released in three stages over two years.

Taunton Brewhouse has reached its twenty thousand pound fundraising target - meaning it's eligible for more than half a million pounds from Arts Council England. The money will fund improvements including better accessibility, new carpeting and energy-efficient lighting. This comes ahead of the venue marking its 50th anniversary next year.

A person was taken to hospital after a care home in Glastonbury was struck by lightning. This happened as a result of the storms during last week’s heatwave and caused a fire in one of the rooms at St Benedict Nursing Home. Two others in the building had to be rescued.

A crash on the M5 northbound at the weekend caused 75 minute delays for drivers. A collison was reported just after midday on Saturday and resulted in six miles of congestion on the approach to the Portishead junction.

Up to £30,000 in funding is now available to charitable organisations in Somerset as the Regional Creatives Fund returns for 2026. The Amazon-funded initiative provides grants to UK charities, Community Interest Companies and Charitable Incorporated Organisations working to build career pathways in the creative industries. Applications are open now until the 2nd August.

More from News

Friday 26th June

The hottest June day on record has been recorded in Somerset. A teenage boy has been found not guilty of killing a nine-year-old girl. Tatworth Primary School has been recognised for its success in science education... and more
Thursday 25th June

MP Sarah Dyke, has called for more money to help better equip schools in future heatwaves. The A361 near Glastonbury shut yesterday, after a gritter caught fire. A night at the opera is coming to Yeovil and Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 24th June

Somerset Council has activated its ‘Severe Weather Emergency Protocol’. Many schools are closing their doors for 48 hours. Great Western Railway is advising essential travel only... and more
Tuesday 22nd June

Police have appealed for information following an incident in Yeovil. The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning. Somerset Council in inviting locals to have their say on how the county could change in the future... and more
Monday 21st June

Somerset Council is set to lose tens of millions of pounds from selling off properties. Hundreds of people gathered at Glastonbury Tor to mark the summer solstice. The police and crime commissioner has expressed her support for a social media ban for under 16s.... and more
Friday 19th June

An amber heat health alert has been issued for Somerset with high temperatures expected to continue into next week. Schools across Somerset are taking part in a pilot scheme teaching children about money laundering. Ham Hill Country Park has been recognised with a top award for its efforts to protect the countryside... and more
Thursday 18th June

Children in care in Somerset are not receiving a good enough service, according to inspectors. NHS Somerset says dental care in the county is improving for the first time since the pandemic. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is holding a topless open-water swim...and more
Wednesday 17th June

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more