Thursday 11th September

Thursday, 11 September 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A bill put forward by Yeovil MP Adam Dance, calling for better awareness of pupil neurodivergent behaviour in schools, has passed its first reading in the Commons. Around 40 thousand people in Somerset could have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Dozens of bikers will take to the roads in Somerset this weekend in support of a breast cancer charity...and more

A bill put forward by Yeovil MP Adam Dance calling for better awareness of pupils' neurodivergent traits, associated with dyslexia, autism or ADHD in primary schools, has passed its first reading in Parliament. Speaking in the Commons, Mr Dance said there was an urgent need for better screening of neurodivergent behaviours in schools.

Around 40 thousand people in Somerset could have undiagnosed high blood pressure, according to NHS Somerset. Called the ‘silent killer’, high blood pressure has no symptoms and is one of the biggest causes of heart attacks and strokes.

Somerset Council is to spend £3.4 million on new homes to provide temporary accommodation for Somerset families. The Council says 12,000 people are currently on the housing register in Somerset, with families housed in bed-and-breakfast accommodation until more permanent lodgings can be found. The Council’s Executive was told that a surplus of £3.3million in the housing revenue account will be used to purchase 15 properties, turning them into temporary accommodation for families.

Somerset Council says new special needs units at four schools will be up and running by January. The units will handle between six and eight pupils, depending on the complexity of the children's needs. Wadham School in Crewkerne is in line to have a new SEND unit and will begin receiving pupils in November.

Dozens of bikers will take to the roads in Somerset this weekend in support of the breast cancer charity, Taunton and Somerset Breast Friends. The ‘Bra Run’ sets off from Bridgwater at 10 am on Sunday, heading through Cheddar Gorge and ending up in Wells.

More from News

Friday 12th September

One of Somerset's most prominent horse trainers says planned tax increases on remote betting could be a ‘nail in the coffin’ for horse racing. An Ilchester man has been arrested in connection with a burglary in West Dorset. Somerset Council’s Chief Executive and other senior officers have been given a 3.2% pay rise...and more
Wednesday 10th September

Yeovil Town Football Club has been given a two-year extension to buy back Huish Park from Somerset Council. A takeaway business in Bridgwater has been stripped of its licence after three employees were discovered working there illegally. A company in South Chard has been celebrating its 200th anniversary...and more
Tuesday 9th September

People are being asked to comment on proposals to introduce Sunday charges at Somerset Council-run car parks. A Pilton man has been jailed after cannabis valued at £28,500 was found at his home. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has started an appeal to raise £1 million...and more.
Monday 8th September

Farmers in Somerset will be driving their tractors to protest at Labour’s annual Party Conference in Liverpool later this month. A Somerset animal rescue centre says it’s dealing with a surge in the number of large dog breeds being surrendered or rehomed. The George Inn in Ilminster has announced that it will be reopening to customers on Monday, September 15th...and more
Friday 5th September

A large water leak in Yeovil closed part of Middle Street last night whilst repairs took place. A Somerset MP has been voicing his concerns over warnings of future flood dangers in the county. The Wincanton branch of Lidl could be demolished to be replaced with a bigger store...and more.
Thursday 4th September

A new leisure complex on the edge of Yeovil will be built, after plans were approved by Somerset Council. Landmarks across the south-west will be illuminated from Monday to mark Air Ambulance Week. YAOS are hoping to trace passengers stranded at Gander Airport in Newfoundland after the 9/11 attacks...and more.
Wednesday 3rd September

Yeovil’s MP, Adam Dance, will introduce his first Bill to Parliament next week, proposing dyslexia screening. The 2025 Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan referendum has won a massive majority in the town. Chard residents are being encouraged to report crime and antisocial behaviour...and more.
Tuesday 2nd September

An ex-Somerset MP who quit politics after allegations of sexual misconduct has died suddenly. The A378 in Langport has now reopened after extensive work. Crewkerne’s annual Charter Fair, which can be traced back to Saxon times, returns this weekend...and more.