Tuesday 17th June

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 at 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.

More from News

Friday 30th October

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
Thursday 29th October

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
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more