Thursday 7th May

Thursday, 7 May 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A disabled man has taken his case to the High Court, arguing that Somerset Council’s council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Bristol Airport says travellers planning summer holidays should not change their plans. Chard and Ilminster Amateur Boxing Club has launched a fundraising appeal,..and more

A disabled man has taken his case to the High Court, arguing that Somerset Council’s council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Andy Mitchell, from Taunton, previously paid no council tax while receiving disability benefits. However, this year he’s been asked to pay 90 percent of his bill, an annual charge of nearly £1,300. Somerset Council says a review of the scheme is now underway to ensure it is fit for purpose.

Voting is taking place across the UK today, in the biggest set of elections since Labour came to power in the 2024 General Election. However, in Somerset, apart from a by-election in Mendip, residents will have to wait until next year to vote. That’s because the current Somerset Council was only established in April 2023, with elections held every four years.

Bristol Airport says travellers planning summer holidays should not change their plans, despite concerns about a jet fuel shortage. While the price of jet fuel has risen by 120 percent, the airport insists neither it nor airlines are experiencing any supply issues.

Chard and Ilminster Amateur Boxing Club has launched a fundraising appeal, warning it faces an uncertain future due to rising costs. The club says it urgently needs financial support. So far, it has raised £1,000 in sponsorship and will hold a fundraising tyre flip event on Saturday, May 9th.

A road in Hardington Mandeville will be closed for three days next week. Pig Hill will shut from Wednesday, May 13th to Friday, May 15th, to allow Wessex Water to carry out essential works.

And finally, a 1961 Aston Martin DB4, originally donated by the late John Haynes, has been put back on display at the Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset after a full restoration.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more