Thursday 27th March

Thursday, 27 March 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has criticised the Chancellor for not reforming business rates in her Spring Statement. Fifteen schools in Somerset are to be equipped with new facilities for children with special educational needs. A charity in Yeovil is appealing for donations of new underwear to give to people who are homeless...and more

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has criticised the Chancellor for not reforming business rates in her Spring Statement. Speaking in the Commons, he said Rachel Reeves had missed an opportunity to help hard-pressed businesses and, in particular, high street retailers. Mr Dance also hit out at the Chancellor for not scrapping the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions and reversing the family farm tax. He said rather than targeting businesses, the government should raise revenue by taxing big banks, social media giants, and online gambling companies.

Fifteen schools in Somerset are to be equipped with new facilities to cater for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The new SEND units are a response to specialist schools operating at full capacity, and a rise in the number of young people with special educational needs requiring places at state schools. The schools in our area to be equipped with new SEND units are: Maiden Beech Academy and Wadham School in Crewkerne, Reckleford Infant School and St. Michael's Academy in Yeovil, and Wincanton Primary School.

Somerset Council has launched a review into local government in Langport and Huish Episcopi. It follows a petition signed by people living in both local council areas, calling for Langport Town Council and Huish Episcopi Parish Council to be replaced by a single council. The review will start by consulting key stakeholders, including the local MP and elected local councillors. Final recommendations will be considered this autumn, with the decision implemented in April 2027.

People in Yeovil are being asked to have their say on plans to extend dog control measures in Ninesprings Country Park.
The measures, which include a dog exclusion zone as well as making owners keep their animals on leads in public places, are already in place but expire at the end of June. Somerset Council wants to extend the existing Public Space Protection Orders by three years and has started a public consultation that runs until the 5th May.

A charity in Yeovil is appealing for donations of new underwear. The Roost, based at The Gateway in Adlewell Lane, is asking for items of underwear to give to people who are homeless in South Somerset.

A new High Sheriff has been appointed to the role in Somerset. Janet Montgomery takes over from Rob Beckley, who has completed his one-year term of office.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more