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which Somerset Council inherited from the previous county and district councils in April 2023, elements of which are out of date.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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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
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

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Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

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