Tuesday 17th June

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

People across Somerset are being encouraged to record local wildlife as part of 'The Big Count' project, monitoring changes in the diversity and abundance of wildlife in the County. A further £1 million is being spent improving flood defences in Somerset. A Yeovil care worker has been honoured for her work at a ceremony in London...and more

People across Somerset are being encouraged to record local wildlife to help protect local animal and bird life. Somerset Wildlife Trust says 'The Big Count' needs as many people as possible to record wildlife in local gardens, parks, and community green spaces to monitor changes in the diversity and abundance of wildlife in the County.

A further £1 million is being spent on improving flood defences in Somerset. Somerset Rivers Authority and the Environment Agency are improving the riverbanks and removing silt on the River Sowy to ensure water can flow more quickly. £900,000 is being spent on raising the riverbanks on the Sowy, with the remainder allocated to farmers to cover the costs of local flooding prevention schemes.

Somerset Council is reminding people that they have until August 8th to comment on plans to merge Huish Episcopi Parish Council and Langport Town Council into a single new parish council covering the same area. A final decision will be made by Somerset Council’s Constitution and Governance Committee in September, with the change likely to take effect in April 2027

A care worker from Yeovil has been honoured at a ceremony in London. Kim Retter has been given a lifetime achievement award at the Housing with Care Awards.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Youth Parliament Elections in Somerset. It’s open to young people aged 11–17 years who live in and attend school or college in the County. Somerset Youth Parliament is a space for young people to learn new skills, grow confidence, share their views, and get involved in current issues to make a difference.

A set of Somerset church bells that have been silent for more than 100 years have rung out once again. The bell mechanism at St Andrew's Church in Compton Dundon fell into disrepair in the 1900s, and by 1935, the bells were 'hung dead' in a fixed position facing down. But now, after a six-year campaign by villagers to raise £160,000, the bells have been brought back to life.

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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