Monday 2nd February

Monday, 2 February 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

The Met Office has issued a warning of more heavy rain for Somerset. A survey by Somerset Council shows nearly two-thirds of households would be happy to pay more in council tax. Yeovil Town Council is offering free allotment spaces to support people’s wellbeing... and more

The Met Office has issued a warning of more heavy rain for Somerset from midday today to 9 am tomorrow. They say between 10 and 20 mm of rain could fall later today and overnight causing further flooding in places like Chard, Ilminster and Yeovil.

A survey by Somerset Council shows nearly two-thirds of households would be happy to pay more council tax to prevent further cuts in public services. The consultation, held in December, asked people how much additional council tax they would be willing to pay. Of the 1,400 people who responsed, 62 per cent said they’d support a council tax rise, with 21 per cent favouring an increase of 4.99 per, and 15 per cent supporting a larger rise. 36 per cent said council tax bills should not rise at all, and 2 per cent called for bills to be reduced. Council Leader, Bill Revans, says whatever the level of increase in council tax in Somerset, it will be kept in line with the national and regional average.

Changes are being made to waste collections at flats and other communal accommodation in Somerset. 13,000 households are involved, with people living in flats and communal accommodation able to recycle plastic bottles, cans, foil and aerosols, glass bottles and jars, cartons, food waste and plastic bags and wrappers. The new collection service begins at the end of March.

Yeovil Town Council is offering allotment space at no charge in a scheme aimed at supporting people’s wellbeing. The Town Council operates 300 allotment plots on 11 sites and says it will give free spaces to community groups, beginner gardeners and underrepresented residents. The scheme, called Allotments for All, runs on a trial basis to September this year.

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Tuesday 28th July

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Monday 27th July

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Friday 24th July

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Thursday 23rd July

The West Country is officially one step closer to being declared in drought. Somerset Council says it's remodelling its service after a children's home was closed following an inspection. A new McDonald's planned off the M5 at Bridgwater could create up to 120 local jobs... and more
Wednesday 22nd July

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