Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large carnival club sheds near Ilminster. Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount the government provides to run local schools. The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size...and more
Councillors have approved controversial plans to build four large sheds in open countryside near Ilminster for carnival clubs to build their carts. The South Somerset Carnival Park on the Dillington Estate was voted through at a meeting of Somerset Council’s Area South Planning Committee despite parish councils and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England claiming the sheds would be an eyesore. The four carnival clubs that backed the application say the Carnival Park will preserve the tradition of carnival for future generations.
Somerset Council says there's an increasing gap between the cost of education and the amount of funding the government provides to run schools in Somerset. Somerset Council is one of 43 local authorities that belong to F40, a group representing the lowest-funded councils for education in England. F40 claims Somerset gets funding of £9,000 per pupil per year, compared to £14,000 per pupil in London.
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, aimed at protecting 13,000 homes and businesses from flooding, has been reduced in size to save money. But the Environment Agency says the barrier will still be effective despite being 10 metres shorter than was originally planned.
A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia. The Octagon Memory Choir will meet at the Westland Entertainment venue on Fridays from the end of January, with carers and family also welcome.
Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more
The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more
The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more
The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.
The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more
The Government says it won’t bring forward a decision on buying new helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels. Yeovil’s temporary police station on Horsey Lane is to close at the end of the month....and more
Leonardo is threatening to shut its Yeovil factory. Somerset Community Foundation says there's still time to donate money to its Surviving Winter Appeal. The Swan Theatre in Yeovil is staging a number of special performances to mark its 50th anniversary...and more.
A Yeovil man has been arrested and then de-arrested after a collision in Dorset. A Somerset food manufacturer could be expanding its Wincanton base. A new dementia-friendly choir has been launched in Yeovil...and more.
Tuesday 20th January
Monday 19th January
Friday 16th January
Thursday 15th January
Wednesday 14th January
Tuesday 13th January
Friday 9th January
