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which Somerset Council inherited from the previous county and district councils in April 2023, elements of which are out of date.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

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Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more
Monday 20th April

Nearly one hundred roads in Somerset will be surface dressed this summer to prevent further damage. Almost all children starting primary school in Somerset in September have been offered a place at one of their top three school choices. People in Somerset are being asked to record wild mammals in gardens and other green spaces over the summer... and more