Wednesday 1st April

Wednesday, 1 April 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

No money has been committed to major new road projects in Somerset. A road linking Chard and Clayhanger has been closed after it collapsed due to badgers burrowing under the surface. The Bishop of Bath and Wells is on day-2 of his pilgrimage across Somerset to mark the holy week of Easter... and more

No money has been committed to major new road projects in Somerset under the government's new road investment strategy just announced. Yeovil MP Adam Dance had been pushing for an upgrade to the Southfields roundabout and dualling of the A303 between Ilminster and South Petherton but neither have been included in the strategy. The proposed junction 22a off the M5 to serve the new £4billion pound gigafactory near Bridgwater has also been excluded.

An unclassified road that links Chard and Clayhanger has been closed for safety reasons after it partially collapsed due to badgers burrowing under the surface. Somerset Council says it’s asked Natural England to issue a licence for repair work to begin, as badgers are a protected species.

A trial has started in Somerset in which dentists are teaming up with primary schools to give guidance to teachers and pupils on toothbrushing and oral health. The programme involves teaching children about the ‘dental magic routine’.

The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Right Reverend Michael Beasley, is on day-2 of his pilgrimage across Exmoor and the Quantocks to mark the holy week of Easter. Bishop Michael is stopping at churches and local events along the way.

A former hairdresser's shop in Merriott could be converted into a two-bedroom home. Plans have been submitted for a change of use on 2, Broadway in Merriot claiming the proposal will deliver a long-term viable use for the building.

Memorabilia of a famous Somerset racehorse is being auctioned today. Kauto Star, trained by Paul Nicholls at Ditcheat, was a two-times Gold Cup winner and five times winner of the King George Sixth Chase. His owner, Clive Smith, passed away in 2024 and his collection is being sold off by Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne.

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