Tuesday 3rd February

Tuesday, 3 February 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Five flood warnings remain in place in Somerset covering the rivers Parrett, Yeo, Northmoor and Saltmoor. Somerset Council says it has no plans to demolish a derelict listed building near Chard Leisure Centre. A Yeovil farm shop has been honoured at a national awards ceremony... and more

Five flood warnings remain in place in Somerset covering the rivers Parrett, Yeo, Northmoor and Saltmoor, with farmers saying the floods are having a devastating impact on the land.

Somerset Council says it has no plans to demolish a derelict listed building near Chard Leisure Centre. Building 11 off Silver Street, was retained during construction of the leisure centre, with an intention to re-purpose it as part of plans to relocate the town’s library. Demolishing the Building 11vchas been opposed by Historic England who say it should be retained as a tangible reminder of Chard’s involvement in the British lace industry.

A 10km surveillance zone around a commercial poultry site at Ashcott near Bridgwater put in place after a case of bird flu was confirmed has been lifted by DEFRA. The disease control zone, introduced in November, also included Glastonbury, Street and surrounding villages. All restrictions have now been fully revoked.

Five flood warnings are currently covering the rivers Parrett, Yeo, Northmoor and Saltmoor, with farmers saying it’s having a devastating impact on the land.

A senior figure in the Church of England in Somerset is stepping down after nine years. The Venerable Anne Gell, archdeacon of Wells, leaves her post in the Diocese of Bath and Wells at the end of May.

More than 1,600 potential building sites across Somerset are being considered for inclusion in a new county-wide Local Plan. Decisions on new housing developments are currently made based on Local Plans, which Somerset Council inherited from the previous county and district councils in April 2023, elements of which are out of date. Now, Somerset Council has begun putting together a new Local Plan covering the whole county, with the first round of public consultation due to be held from April onwards.

A Yeovil farm shop has been honoured at a national awards ceremony. The Apple Tree Farm Shop at Brimsmore Gardens was named best food hall/best farm shop in the local garden centre category at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference. Brimsmore Gardens, part of The Gardens Group, also won first prize in the Christmas display competition, in the local garden centre category.

More from News

Monday 2nd February

The Met Office has issued a warning of more heavy rain for Somerset. A survey by Somerset Council shows nearly two-thirds of households would be happy to pay more in council tax. Yeovil Town Council is offering free allotment spaces to support people’s wellbeing... and more
Friday 30th January

Data from the weather centre at RNAS Yeovilton shows rainfall in Somerset was almost double the average for January. A disabled man is taking Somerset Council to the High Court, claiming its council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is seeking urgent support to replenish its stocks of hay... and more
Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more