Thursday 20th November

Thursday, 20 November 2025 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Taunton Town Council has agreed to provide funding for five years to support the town's Brewhouse Theatre. The Environment Agency is warning that Somerset could experience a drought next spring if this winter is drier than usual. We’re being asked to look out for rough sleepers during the current cold snap...and more

Taunton Town Council has agreed to provide £105,000 in funding each year for five years to support the town's Brewhouse Theatre. The Taunton Theatre Association, which has taken on running the theatre from Somerset Council, says the bulk of the money will be used to pay for repairs to the building.

Eight out of ten people in a consultation say they’re against paying for Sunday parking at car parks run by Somerset Council. The Council says it’s assessing the economic impact of the move, but points out that in other towns where Sunday parking charges have been introduced, the local economy has not suffered. Somerset Council is due to meet next month to discuss the consultation results.

The Environment Agency is warning that Somerset could experience a drought next spring if this winter is drier than usual. It says that unless there is sustained rainfall before the end of March, drought conditions could worsen, impacting crop yields and wildlife. It's also warning of hosepipe bans.

We’re being asked to look out for rough sleepers during the current cold snap. With overnight temperatures falling below freezing, Somerset Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency plan, which provides emergency accommodation for rough sleepers. The Council says outreach teams have been contacted to ensure no one dies on the streets and that every effort is made to engage with people who sleep rough. If you see someone sleeping rough, you can report it on the Street Link website or by calling 0300 123 22 24.

A dance group in South Somerset has won an international award. Ashill Scottish Country Dancers took first prize in the People’s Choice Award in the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society’s Virtual Festival. Their winning entry, a five-minute video entitled Dance a Rainbow, featured seven Scottish country dances, themed around a colour of the rainbow. Anyone who would like to join the group meets every Tuesday at 7.30 pm at Horton Village Hall.

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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