Wednesday 18th February

Wednesday, 18 February 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

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

New figures have shown a rise in cases of suicide involving farmers, including in Somerset. Nationally, 47 farmers were recorded to have taken their own life in 2024; a seven percent increase on 2022. The Farm Safety Foundation is urging farmers to seek help and to do more to support each other.

Plans to merge Castle Cary with its neighbour Ansford have been scrapped due to "insufficient support" from residents. Following a petition calling for the merger, Somerset Council held a public consultation with the results debated at a meeting of the council's constitution and governance committee. They showed support at 53.6 per cent for the merger but with 35.3 per cent of people living in Ansford not wanting it. After being told the results, the committee voted against merging the two parishes at the present time.

Businesses on the A361 in Somerset say trade has collapsed due to flooding. Despite the A361 remaining open, traders say motorists think they're closed and that Somerset Council should do more to support businesses affected by flooding. Somerset Council says it's happy to review road signs on the A361 but that its priority is to keep people safe and away from roads which are flooded.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has set its budget for the new 2026/27 financial year. From April, its share of the council tax will increase by £5 a year, equivalent to a 4.8 per cent rise. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says the increase is needed to meet existing demands and to persuade the government to give it better funding.

The new owner of the Plaza cinema in Wincanton, which re-opened this week after years of standing empty, says he hopes local people will give it their support. The Plaza began life as a cinema 90 years ago and after closing in the 1990’s became a community church. Pat Scott, who’s invested heavily in restoring the Plaza says he’s glad to be bringing cinema back in Wincanton.

A Somerset-based charity working to end homelessness is marking its 50th anniversary. Formed in Taunton in 1976, ARC supports people experiencing housing insecurity and is staging a year-long programme of events to highlight its good work.

More from News

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
Monday 9th February

Multiple flood alerts and warnings remain in place across South Somerset following the weekend’s heavy rainfall. Work starts today repairing a sinkhole on Station Road in Castle Cary. A business in Crewkerne is closing after 50-years trading in the town... and more
Friday 6th September

Leonardo has announced a major deal to build helicopters in India. Campaigners trying to set up a new bus link to Castle Cary railway station from Glastonbury say they need 150 thousand pounds of council money. A community event is being held in Chard for charities and service providers to showcase their activities.... and more