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.

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which Somerset Council inherited from the previous county and district councils in April 2023, elements of which are out of date.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

Thursday 19th February

Yeovil fire station is to undergo a major refurbishment. A Yeovil based charity is appealing for adults to become mentors to young people. A Somerset woman has completed a 10,000 kilometre solo bike ride across Africa... and more
Wednesday 18th February

New figures have shown a rise in cases of suicide involving farmers, including in Somerset. Plans to merge the parishes of Castle Cary and Ansford have been scrapped. A Somerset-based charity working to end homelessness is marking its 50th anniversary... and more
Tuesday 17th February

Avon and Somerset Police are asking the owners of replica guns to hand them in. It's claimed motorists in the Bruton and Wincanton area are paying out hundreds of pounds in repairs due to the poor state of local roads. And, Yeovil Town take on Aldershot at Huish Park tonight... and more
Monday 16th February

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has warned that the Westlands entertainment venue in Yeovil would be at risk should Leonardo not be awarded a government contract to build new medium life helicopters. A Chard woman has been given a suspended jail sentence for carrying a knife in a public place. A petition has been launched to slowdown motorists using Coker Way and Wyatt Way in Chard... and more
Friday 13th February

Somerset Council has dropped plans to close two town centre car parks in Yeovil. A Yeovil man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was attacked in her home. The Environment Agency has committed to reviewing its water management of the Somerset Levels following the recent floods... and more
Thursday 12th February

The government says it's ‘working flat out’ to arrive at a decision on ordering a new medium lift helicopter with Leonardo in Yeovil. We’re being asked to suggest where new electric vehicle charge points should be installed in Somerset. A new project is inviting people to look up and help map Somerset’s night skies... and more
Wednesday 11th February

Somerset Council has been told it can’t raise council tax by more than 5 percent. Businesses in Somerset are being warned to watch out for fake £20 notes. A Martock man has successfully completed a parachute-ski jump off the top of Mount Snowdon.
Tuesday 10th February

Eye operations in Somerset have been cancelled, due to a private company running out of NHS funding to provide the surgery. A local MP is calling for the permanent installation of pumps on the Somerset Levels to reduce the flood risk. A £3 million pound project has begun to refurbish the grand organ at Wells Cathedral... and more