Tuesday 5th August

Tuesday, 5 August 2025 at 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

Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more