Wednesday 1st April

Wednesday, 1 April 2026 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

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