Thursday 15th January

Thursday, 15 January 2026 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.

More from News

Thursday 19th February

Yeovil fire station is to undergo a major refurbishment. A Yeovil based charity is appealing for adults to become mentors to young people. A Somerset woman has completed a 10,000 kilometre solo bike ride across Africa... and more
Wednesday 18th February

New figures have shown a rise in cases of suicide involving farmers, including in Somerset. Plans to merge the parishes of Castle Cary and Ansford have been scrapped. A Somerset-based charity working to end homelessness is marking its 50th anniversary... and more
Tuesday 17th February

Avon and Somerset Police are asking the owners of replica guns to hand them in. It's claimed motorists in the Bruton and Wincanton area are paying out hundreds of pounds in repairs due to the poor state of local roads. And, Yeovil Town take on Aldershot at Huish Park tonight... and more
Monday 16th February

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has warned that the Westlands entertainment venue in Yeovil would be at risk should Leonardo not be awarded a government contract to build new medium life helicopters. A Chard woman has been given a suspended jail sentence for carrying a knife in a public place. A petition has been launched to slowdown motorists using Coker Way and Wyatt Way in Chard... and more
Friday 13th February

Somerset Council has dropped plans to close two town centre car parks in Yeovil. A Yeovil man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was attacked in her home. The Environment Agency has committed to reviewing its water management of the Somerset Levels following the recent floods... and more
Thursday 12th February

The government says it's ‘working flat out’ to arrive at a decision on ordering a new medium lift helicopter with Leonardo in Yeovil. We’re being asked to suggest where new electric vehicle charge points should be installed in Somerset. A new project is inviting people to look up and help map Somerset’s night skies... and more
Wednesday 11th February

Somerset Council has been told it can’t raise council tax by more than 5 percent. Businesses in Somerset are being warned to watch out for fake £20 notes. A Martock man has successfully completed a parachute-ski jump off the top of Mount Snowdon.
Tuesday 10th February

Eye operations in Somerset have been cancelled, due to a private company running out of NHS funding to provide the surgery. A local MP is calling for the permanent installation of pumps on the Somerset Levels to reduce the flood risk. A £3 million pound project has begun to refurbish the grand organ at Wells Cathedral... and more