Wednesday 23rd September

Wednesday, 23 September 2026 11:45

Police will take no further action after a year-long fraud probe in Glastonbury. Leonardo has chosen Somerset for its first international future talent programme. Three motorway services in Somerset have been rated as some of the worst in the country ... and more.

A year-long fraud probe into a Glastonbury regeneration project has come to an end, with Police confirming that no further action will be taken against Somerset Council. Significant building work had been underway at the Red Brick building site on Morland Road, as part of the £23.6m Glastonbury town deal, with the aim of creating a new community events space and offices. Somerset Council paused its funding at the beginning of 2024 after concerns were raised over the management of the project at the time. Avon & Somerset Police has now concluded its investigations.

Somerset smokers are being encouraged to think about the moments that matter most to them as a new regional campaign launches. It’s 100 days until the UK’s first smoke-free generation starts reaching adulthood with anyone born on, or after, 1^st January 2009 unable to legally buy tobacco. The ‘What Will You Miss?’ campaign aims to inspire the estimated 60,000 smokers in Somerset to attempt quitting and connect them with free support. Smokefree Southwest is partnering with local authorities and the NHS.

Leonardo has chosen Somerset to launch its first international programme for future talent. The Ad Astra programme, originally developed in Italy, has already reached 800 young people and is now being expanded internationally, with Yeovil the UK’s first location. Following its Somerset debut, Ad Astra is expected to form part of a wider international programme, connecting young people with opportunities at Leonardo locations across the country.

Three motorway services in Somerset have been rated as some of the worst in the country in internet reviews. Analysis by holiday specialist, Ski Famille, looked at Google ratings for stops across the UK and put Bridgwater, Gordano and Sedgemoor – all on the M5 – at the bottom of the table - with the Bridgwater Moto site coming in for the most online criticism. Bridgwater also received the lowest rating in a recent Which? survey.

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Thursday 8th October

Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally. Wells market has received national recognition...and more
Wednesday 7th October

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more
Tuesday 6th October

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more
Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.
Thursday 1st October

765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Wednesday 30th September

Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Tuesday 29th September

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.