Thursday 3rd April

Thursday, 3 April 2025 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

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