Thursday 11th September

Thursday, 11 September 2025 at 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 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