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

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
Thursday 3rd September

Fifteen thousand people have signed a petition calling on Somerset Council to cancel plans for a huge data centre in Bridgwater. A nest of Asian hornets has been found in Somerset. More patients in Somerset are set to benefit from a hospital project aimed at restoring independence... and more
Wednesday 2nd September

Yeovil-based charity, School in a Bag, has started sending supplies to Nepal to help in the aftermath of the devastating floods. 6,000 people have signed a petition opposing plans for a new relief road in Chard. The Royal British Legion in Somerset is appealing for more volunteers to help run this year’s Poppy Appeal... and more
Tuesday 1st September

One person had to be cut free from a vehicle following a two-vehicle collision on the A30 near Chard. A Yeovil man has been jailed for 7-and-a-half years for supplying cocaine and cannabis. Two Somerset teenagers have become the youngest to swim the Bristol Channel... and more
Friday 28th August

An organisation that investigates loan sharks has opened a branch in Taunton. Free parking on Sundays in Somerset's main towns could end just before Christmas. Local communities in and around Draycott will be able to take advantage of a shuttle bus service... and more.
Thursday 27th August

A 21 mile stretch of the M5 is to be given a 50mph speed limit for three years. Chard remains a safe place to work, live and visit say Avon & Somerset Police. Sunflowers of Somerset is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a photography competition and community activities... and more.
Wednesday 26th August

Two people have been arrested and released under investigation after the death of a baby in Crewkerne. A large sand picture of the prime minister has appeared in Burnham On Sea. The wet winter and hot summer means cider producers are struggling with their yields... and more.