Thursday 7th May

Thursday, 7 May 2026 at 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.

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Thursday 29th October

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Tuesday 27th October

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Monday 26th October

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Friday 23rd October

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Thursday 22nd October

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Wednesday 21st October

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