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.
Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally. Wells market has received national recognition...and more
Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more
Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more
Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.
765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.
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