Thursday 29th January

Thursday, 29 January 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. The Council has declared a major incident for Somerset, with homes still underwater, schools closed, and roads and rail lines impacted.

Homeowners who missed having their waste collected for recycling on Tuesday due to the bad weather are being asked to put out their boxes and blue bags for collection today. Somerset Council says crews will be working as normal today and on Saturday to help clear the backlog. They say homeowners should also leave their garden waste out for collection as normal.

Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. It’s put all 137 Original Factory shops and 1800 staff at risk. The business, founded in 1969, was sold to Modella Capital last year.

This year marks 20-years since the cult classic film ‘Hot Fuzz’ was filmed in Somerset. The comedy, starring Simon Pegg and directed by local filmmaker Edgar Wright, has attracted thousands of tourists to the city of Wells since its release in 2007.

Plans have been approved to build a single dwelling on part of the beer garden at the Podymore Inn at Podimore. Somerset Council has given the go-ahead to build a four-bedroom house next to the pub, despite concerns that it could add to localised flooding.

A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition. Connie Robins, who works at the Costa Coffee Drive Through by the Southfields Roundabout, will compete as one of 12 finalists in the Costa Coffee UK and Ireland Barista of the Year competition, which takes place in early February.

More from News

Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more