Tuesday 22nd September

Tuesday, 22 September 2026 06:30

Children with special needs could have a better chance of moving to a new school, without delay or disruption. A former Castle Cary pub is to be turned into a private house. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre may have to close at the end of next month... and more.

Children with special needs in Somerset could have a better chance of moving to a new school, without delay or disruption, thanks to what’s being described as a ‘rapid improvement’ following recent changes. Earlier this year, Somerset Council agreed to invest £5.3m. to reduce backlogs in assessment, and aiding ‘phased transfers, allowing pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to move to another site. The council has now said that any qualifying child will be able to successfully transfer by October half term.

A former Castle Cary pub is to be turned into a private house, after efforts to market the property in its former guise failed last year. The former Bay Tree on South Street closed to the public in October 2025 with its owners blaming ‘declining trade, increased operating cost and changing customer behaviour’. Somerset Council’s planning committee south has approved the change of use, arguing that the town already has a sustainable night-time economy.

It's been announced that Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre may have to close at the end of next month if no further funds are found. The trustees of Taunton Theatre Association confirmed the news in a statement yesterday afternoon but say that all planned performances and activities will continue until the end of October. Meanwhile, further efforts will be made to cut costs and raise more funding.

Rescue centres say they are seeing more hedgehogs being handed in after the dry summer meant they were unable to find enough food. Some centres in Somerset are asking the public to volunteer or bring in donations of food to help see the hedgehogs through the winter.

More from News

Monday 21st September

Wessex Water's contacting large businesses, asking them to use less water. A ‘serious collision’ closed a stretch of the A30 in both directions yesterday afternoon.Two Somerset charities have benefitted from a combined £64,000, thanks to the Leonardo Rising Stars.
Friday 18th September

Three people from Yeovil have been sentenced after admitting offences linked to the theft and illegal supply of prescription-only medicines. An ancient burial site on the Quantocks has been damaged. Chard Guildhall is open for public viewing today... and more
Thursday 17th September

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18,000 shoplifting offences have been recorded in the Avon and Somerset Police area in the last financial year. A Chard man has been sentenced for assaulting a police officer. Forefront Community Centre in Chard is celebrating 20 years of bringing people together in the town... and more
Wednesday 16th September

A pilot with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance says there will be 'catastrophic' consequences if laser pointers continue to be pointed at their aircraft. Plans to build forty new homes in the village of Curry Rivel have been given the go ahead. The owner of a ram called Rambo in Keinton Mandeville has thanked firefighters for rescuing him after he got stuck in a concrete pipe... and more
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