Thursday 3rd September

Thursday, 3 September 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Fifteen thousand people have signed a petition calling on Somerset Council to cancel plans for a huge data centre in Bridgwater. A nest of Asian hornets has been found in Somerset. More patients in Somerset are set to benefit from a hospital project aimed at restoring independence... and more

Fifteen thousand people have signed a petition calling on Somerset Council to cancel plans for a huge data centre in Bridgwater. The development would cover the equivalent of 180 football pitches, with protesters describing it as an “abhorrent eyesore”. Campaigners are also concerned about water use, warning it could worsen droughts, with surface water run-off increasing flooding in low-lying areas on the Somerset Levels. Somerset Council says when a planning application is submitted to build the data centre it will be judged against planning and environmental policies, including any impact on biodiversity, flooding and the landscape.

A nest of Asian hornets has been found in Somerset. The nest, spotted close to a beehive at Ashcott near Glastonbury, has been removed and destroyed. Asian Hornets are considered a danger as they feed on bees and wasps and can have a devastating impact on local insect populations.

Part of the A371 at Croscombe near Shepton Mallet will be closed to traffic next week for repairs to a collapsed wall. The wall separates the road and the River Sheppey and was damaged in a recent road traffic accident. Temporary traffic lights will operate for three weeks while the wall is being rebuilt.

More patients in Somerset are set to benefit from a hospital project aimed at restoring independence. The scheme, launched at Wincanton and Crewkerne Community Hospitals, encourages patients to get out of bed and use the toilet, rather than bedpans or bottles. Results have shown an ninety per cent improvement in mobility and independence amongst patients involved in the project.

An Ilminster woman has been named among the top 50 women in accounting globally. Alison Smith, head of digital business services at Brook Financial in Ilminster, has been recognised in the prestigious awards scheme, run by Ignition. The awards celebrate women who make a difference in accounting through leadership, innovation, and advocacy.

More from News

Wednesday 2nd September

Yeovil-based charity, School in a Bag, has started sending supplies to Nepal to help in the aftermath of the devastating floods. 6,000 people have signed a petition opposing plans for a new relief road in Chard. The Royal British Legion in Somerset is appealing for more volunteers to help run this year’s Poppy Appeal... and more
Tuesday 1st September

One person had to be cut free from a vehicle following a two-vehicle collision on the A30 near Chard. A Yeovil man has been jailed for 7-and-a-half years for supplying cocaine and cannabis. Two Somerset teenagers have become the youngest to swim the Bristol Channel... and more
Friday 28th August

An organisation that investigates loan sharks has opened a branch in Taunton. Free parking on Sundays in Somerset's main towns could end just before Christmas. Local communities in and around Draycott will be able to take advantage of a shuttle bus service... and more.
Thursday 27th August

A 21 mile stretch of the M5 is to be given a 50mph speed limit for three years. Chard remains a safe place to work, live and visit say Avon & Somerset Police. Sunflowers of Somerset is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a photography competition and community activities... and more.
Wednesday 26th August

Two people have been arrested and released under investigation after the death of a baby in Crewkerne. A large sand picture of the prime minister has appeared in Burnham On Sea. The wet winter and hot summer means cider producers are struggling with their yields... and more.
Tuesday 25th August

Fire crews have been dealing with a fire in Ilchester which broke out yesterday afternoon. Somerset’s frontline health services say heatwaves and tourism are making their jobs more difficult. A Chard health store has been named Natural Lifestyle Retailer of the Year.. and more.
Monday 24th August

The Chair of the NFU has repeated calls for a longer-term plan to tackle bluetongue, Three men have been jailed for their involvement in car key burglaries in Somerset. Police say they’re treating a fire in Norton Fitzwarren as suspicious... and more.
Friday 21st August

Adam Dance MP has added his voice to those criticising this week’s Channel 4 documentary on ADHD. Visitors can now explore more of Ham Hill with a new off-road mobility scooter hiring scheme. Young people are being encouraged to join the Ilminster Carnival children’s procession... and more.