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

Wednesday 24th June

Somerset Council has activated its ‘Severe Weather Emergency Protocol’. Many schools are closing their doors for 48 hours. Great Western Railway is advising essential travel only... and more
Tuesday 22nd June

Police have appealed for information following an incident in Yeovil. The Met Office has issued a rare red extreme heat warning. Somerset Council in inviting locals to have their say on how the county could change in the future... and more
Monday 21st June

Somerset Council is set to lose tens of millions of pounds from selling off properties. Hundreds of people gathered at Glastonbury Tor to mark the summer solstice. The police and crime commissioner has expressed her support for a social media ban for under 16s.... and more
Friday 19th June

An amber heat health alert has been issued for Somerset with high temperatures expected to continue into next week. Schools across Somerset are taking part in a pilot scheme teaching children about money laundering. Ham Hill Country Park has been recognised with a top award for its efforts to protect the countryside... and more
Thursday 18th June

Children in care in Somerset are not receiving a good enough service, according to inspectors. NHS Somerset says dental care in the county is improving for the first time since the pandemic. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is holding a topless open-water swim...and more
Wednesday 17th June

Avon and Somerset Police say they'll be carrying out enhanced patrols for drink and drug driving during and after England's opening World Cup game tonight. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is warning that the conflict in Iran is having a serious impact on local businesses. A master thatcher based in Ilminster says the traditional craft of thatching is under threat because of a lack of training opportunities...and more
Tuesday 16th June

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal two-vehicle crash on the A358 near Ilminster. A man from Norton-sub-Hamdon has appeared in court charged with drink driving. An original Mr Blobby costume from the former Blobbyland theme park at Cricket St Thomas has been put up for sale... and more
Monday 15th June

People in Somerset are being asked to take part in a new survey about alcohol use. Yeovil's MP Adam Dance will lead a debate in Parliament today on NHS dentistry. A Yeovil runner has been selected to represent England at a national endurance championship... and more