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 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