Thursday 3rd April

Thursday, 3 April 2025 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Two-thirds of employers in Somerset say the hike in employers' National Insurance will mean cutting staff. Police are investigating incidents of repeated damage at Somerton recreation ground. A man has been arrested in Chard on suspicion of indecent exposure. The story of the Monmouth Rebellion is being told in a new exhibition...and more

Two-thirds of employers in Somerset say the hike in employers' National Insurance will mean cutting staff. From next week, employers' NI contributions increase from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent. NI will now be paid on earnings of £5000 a year instead of paying it on wages of £9,000 per annum Employers have told Somerset Chamber of Commerce they will pass the extra costs to customers but charities and nurseries, who are funded by government vouchers, say they will have to find other ways to cover the increases.

Police are investigating incidents of repeated damage at Somerton recreation ground. They say young people have been seen starting fires, littering, and vandalising play equipment. Police have stepped up patrols at Somerton recreation ground, as their investigations continue.

A man has been arrested in Chard on suspicion of indecent exposure. The alleged incident happened on a cycle path between Touches Lane and Great Western Road at around 9 am on Tuesday, March 25th. Police ask that anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously around Chard Skate Park and Great Western Road to Henson Park in Chard early in the morning on Tuesday, March 25th to call the non-emergency number 101.

Somerset's domestic abuse service says it has been receiving calls from parents to report abuse by their children at home. It comes as the government makes the Netflix drama ‘Adolescence’ available to all schools free of charge. The mini-series highlights the dangers of extreme misogyny content online.

Visitors to Somerset's nature reserves are being reminded to stick to pathways and keep dogs on leads during the current breeding season for ground-nesting Skylarks.

The story of the Monmouth Rebellion is being told in a new exhibition to mark its 340th anniversary. The display, being held at the Museum of Somerset until July, will look at the consequences of the failed uprising.

More from News

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more