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.

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more