Thursday 3rd September

Thursday, 3 September 2026 at 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

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
Tuesday 20th October

The NSPCC says sexual communication offences involving children in the South-West have more than doubled since the offence was introduced seven years ago. People in Somerset are being warned that artificial intelligence is being used to make homes look more attractive in estate agent’s photos. Yeovil Town replay their FA Cup 4th qualifying round against Leatherhead at Huish Park tonight.., and more
Monday 19th October

The Environment Agency says reservoir levels across Somerset are well below what they should be for the time of year. A former school building in Wincanton could be turned into a recording studio and arts venue. Families in Somerset are being reminded of the October 31st deadline to apply for school places ...and more
Friday 16th October

Parts of Somerset have been moved into the highest drought category to protect water supplies. A new group's been formed to try and save Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre from closure.Tesco in Yeovil is recruiting for temporary staff for the busy Christmas period... and more
Thursday 15th October

Hate crime recorded by Avon and Somerset Police has risen to a record high. The Communication Workers Union claims postal workers in Somerset are leaving their jobs due to a controversial new delivery system. Four new Deputy Lieutenants have been appointed to support Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant... and more
Wednesday 14th October

Somerset Council says it can’t confirm whether new parking machines being installed across the county will be able to accept cash. The number of cloned cars seized have more than double in the past 3-years with Avon and Somerset Police recovering one fraudulent vehicle every week. The skull of a 50,000 year old Woolly Rhino found on the Mendips Hills has gone on a display at a museum in Wells...and more