Somerset’s housing target could be cut by almost 15,000 homes. More than half a million pounds in Arts Council funding to Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre has been handed back. People in Somerset with type 2 diabetes are being invited to join a new research study... and more
Somerset’s housing target could be cut by almost 15,000 homes under proposed changes to the county’s new Local Plan. Somerset Council is considering reducing the plan period from twenty years to sixteen, bringing the target down from nearly 75,000 to around 60,000 homes by 2041. The proposal follows concerns from residents about the impact of large-scale development in rural areas.
More than half a million pounds in Arts Council funding for Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre has been handed back. The venue had secured £535,000 for building improvements, but the money couldn’t be used for everyday running costs. The theatre closed last month, leaving 23 members of staff out of work.
People in Somerset with type 2 diabetes and obesity are being invited to join an international research study. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting seven participants to test a new medicine, Enicepatide, which researchers hope could help with weight loss and improve blood sugar levels. Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s research team at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.
The Leader of Somerset Council, Councillor Bill Revans, has ruled himself out of standing for election as the first mayor of the new Wessex region. The devolved authority will cover Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The mayoral election is scheduled for May 2028.
Facial recognition cameras are to be used by police in Somerset for the first time. Badger culling against bovine TB has officially ended in Somerset. The 5-star Summer Lodge Hotel in Evershot has a new owner...and more
Up to 70 jobs could go at the Leonardo helicopter factory in Yeovil. Police are investigating a fire at the former Pittard factory in Yeovil. Families on low incomes are being offered tickets at just £3 to this year’s Yeovil pantomime...and more
South West Water says reservoir levels in Somerset are starting to recover after recent heavy rainfall. Castle Cary railway station is to get a new footbridge. A young dancer from Martock has been chosen to perform with the English Youth Ballet... and more
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
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
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
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
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
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