Thursday 15th January

Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to 8,000 jobs during the construction phase. It’s claimed the eleven-billion-pound scheme will provide enough electricity for around two million homes.

Somerset MP's, including Yeovil MP Adam Dance, have had a meeting with the Local Government Minister, Alison McGovern, over concerns that Somerset Council is being ‘short-changed’ over the funding of statutory services like adult social care and children’s services. Last week, the Leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans, warned that in the absence of more central government support, council tax in Somerset is likely to rise by 11%. But the Conservative MP for Bridgwater, Ashley Fox, says Somerset Council should be making further savings.

People across Somerset are being asked to track the arrival of spring by recording seasonal changes in nature. The 'Signs of Spring' survey invites people to report sightings of seasonal indicators such as daffodils, snowdrops and bumblebees on the Field Studies Council’s website.

A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. John Cook-Woodman has represented Highbridge and Burnham South for more than 16-years as a Conservative. He says he thinks Reform are 'best-placed to deliver for Britain'.

St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised a record amount. Every year, the charity collects used Christmas trees in exchange for a donation, raising 47,000 pounds this year.

Part of Crewkerne town centre is closed to traffic this week. South Street is shut between Cropmead and Kithill until Saturday for resurfacing work. Two diversion routes are in operation, one for cars and the other for HGVs.

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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