Wednesday 4th November

Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

People in Somerset will go to the polls in May 2028 to elect a new mayor for the Wessex region. A Somerset farmer who failed a breath test after being caught asleep at the wheel of his tractor has narrowly avoided losing his driving licence. The new Ham Hill Visitor Centre has been named a regional winner in the Building Excellence Awards 2026... and more

People in Somerset will go to the polls in M ay 2028 to elect a new Wessex mayor. The government confirmed in last week’s budget that ten new devolution deals would go forward including for the Wessex region which will bring together local authorities in Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Somerset Council says a Wessex Mayor has the potential to create better-paid jobs, support town centres, improve access to skills and training, and strengthen transport connections.

The company behind a proposed solar farm on the Somerset Levels say it will help the country become less dependant on imported energy supplies. Low Carbon Ltd wants to build a large solar farm around the village of Mark which could power up to 140,000 homes. A public consultation will start next spring with a final decision being made by the government.

The new Ham Hill Visitor Centre has been named a regional winner in the Building Excellence Awards 2026. The award recognises the outstanding quality, design and construction of the centre which opened in December 2025 and has quickly established itself as a popular visitor destination. The project was delivered through a partnership involving Somerset Council, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A Somerset farmer who failed a breath test after being caught asleep at the wheel of his tractor has narrowly avoided losing his driving licence. Thomas Ayles, aged 25, from Wanstrow, was found by police on the A361 near Shepton Mallet, with the engine running and keys in the ignition. Appearing before magistrates in Yeovil, Ayles pleaded guilty to being in charge of a vehicle while over the drink-drive limit and was given ten penalty points on his licence and fined £666 pounds.

Plans have been submitted to build 86 new homes in Martock. Mike Lock Construction Ltd. has applied to build the properties on Foldhill Lane, adjacent to the proposed site of a new church and community hall. Somerset Council is expected to make a ruling on the outline proposals within the next six months.

More from News

tuesday 3rd November

Somerset Council says it doesn’t have the money to improve its planning enforcement team. Drivers are being advised that work to replace the central barrier on the M5 near Wellington starts this week. A health food shop in Chard has been crowned High Street Shop of the Year... and more
Monday 2nd November

A motorist was caught driving at 133mph on the A303 between Podimore and Sparkford, according to newly released data from Avon and Somerset Police. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre closed for the last time at the weekend. Public firework displays in Ilminster and Martock have been cancelled due to rising costs... and more
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.