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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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