Tuesday 5th August

Tuesday, 5 August 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

A college merger in Somerset has created one of the largest education groups in the UK. People in Somerset are being encouraged to report drivers who misuse disabled parking bays. A D-Day veteran from Somerset is celebrating his 100th birthday this week...and more

A college merger in Somerset has created one of the largest education groups in the UK. Bridgwater and Taunton College and Strode College have joined forces to form the University Somerset College Group, in a move aimed at enhancing educational and employment opportunities across the region.

People in Somerset are being encouraged to report drivers who misuse disabled parking bays at supermarkets. The charity Disabled Motoring UK has launched a survey to assess the difficulties faced by disabled drivers when trying to access suitable parking.

A website has been set up with details of around 40 suspects still wanted across five police areas, including in Somerset, in connection with the Southport Riots. Police want to speak to several people they suspect of taking part in rioting, not just in Southport but in other towns and cities, following the murders of three girls at a dance class in Southport.

Land to complete Chard's long-awaited relief road will be protected under revised plans for a new housing development. The relief road is intended to take pressure off the Convent Link junction and enable new homes to be built within the Chard eastern development area, but so far, only one section has been delivered, between the A30 and Chard Reservoir as part of the Oaklands development. Now, revised plans for a new housing development have set aside land for the northernmost section of the relief road, with Somerset Council expected to decide on the plans before the end of the year.

A Somerset farmer has taken to using social media to show how the industry works, warts and all. Dom Northmore from Lane End Farm at Axbridge regularly posts behind-the-scenes footage on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok of life on his farm. Dom says he wants to improve people’s understanding of farming and its challenges.

A D-Day veteran from Somerset is celebrating his 100th birthday this week. Donald Butt, who lives in West Pennard, was a Royal Marine in WW2 and fought on Juno Beach.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

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

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
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

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more