Wednesday 19th February

Wednesday, 19 February 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Free parking at council-run car parks in Somerset could soon end with the introduction of Sunday and overnight charging. Pavement slabs in Yeovil town centre, damaged by a utility company a year ago, are finally being replaced. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is to use £1 million of reserves to fund its day-to-day spending from April...and more.

Free parking at council-run car parks in Somerset could soon end with the introduction of Sunday and overnight charging. The Council is creating what it calls a ‘consistent charging policy across all 200 car parks that it runs. Members of the Council’s Executive are due to discuss the issue at a meeting on February 24th.

Pavement slabs in Yeovil town centre, damaged by a utility company a year ago, are finally being replaced. The new slabs were laid near the junction of High Street and Wine Street as part of the Yeovil Refresh, however, when some were damaged tarmac was used to replace them. Somerset Council says after months of delay, the tarmac is being removed and new slabs laid, at no extra cost to the Council.

Visit Somerset says tourism businesses are relying on the half-term school holiday to help boost their income. This week is the first time since Christmas that attractions, like Cheddar Caves and Wookey Hole, have opened to the public.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is to use £1 million of reserves to fund its day-to-day spending. The service is increasing its share of the council tax by five percent from April but says it won’t be enough to pay all running costs. A meeting of the Fire Authority was told the service has reserves of £26 million with £1 million earmarked to plug a funding gap in the budget for the financial year 2025-26.

A Somerset man has successfully defended his UK Bench Press title. Ram Patten underwent major cancer surgery in September and was given a 50 per cent chance of survival. Now in recovery, he's hoping that his comeback story will inspire others.

An events company has bought Shepton Mallet Prison. The last inmates left the 17th-century jail in 2013. The Cove Group has been renting the site and using it as a tourist attraction and events space since 2017.

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