Monday 29th June

Monday, 29 June 2026 at 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 30th October

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