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 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more