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.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more