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 17th July

Plans have been submitted to build 30 new homes in Ashill. As the heatwave continues, a Somerset air conditioning business says demand for its services has never been higher. Morrisons has confirmed it will close its Glenthorne Avenue store in Yeovil on August 1st... and more
Thursday 16th July

Plans to build up to one hundred new homes on Yeovil's former cattle market have moved a step closer. It’s being made easier for parents in Somerset to register children for free school meals. Wessex Water says it has no plans for a hosepipe ban at the moment but is keeping a close eye on supplies as demand increases... and more
Wednesday 15th July

Bus passengers in Yeovil have been provided with easier access to the town's bus station. Firefighters are warning of an increased risk of wildfires because of the hot weather. Aldi is asking for public comments on plans to build a new food store in Chard... and more
Tuesday 14th July

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more
Monday 13th July

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
Friday 10th July

The inquest into the death of a sex offender has returned an open conclusion. A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county. Ilminster Arts Centre has held its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event... and more
Thursday 9th July

A father who shook his baby to death has been convicted of murder. Local people at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat... and more
Wednesday 8th July

NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place. A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted. Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi... and more