Wednesday 26th March

Wednesday, 26 March 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The remains of a Roman settlement have been discovered near Langport. Chard Town Council has issued a formal apology over some of its recent conduct. Visitors to Ham Hill Country Park are being asked to tread carefully and keep pets on leads to protect breeding skylarks nesting at ground-level...and more

The remains of a Roman settlement have been discovered near Langport. Archaeologists have been digging at the site since 2023 and say they’ve unearthed the remains, which are believed to be either a Roman villa, farmstead, or outbuilding. An open day is planned for people to visit the site later in the year.

Chard Town Council has issued a formal apology over some of its recent conduct. A report into allegations of bullying and the resignations of a high number of staff said the Council was ‘dysfunctional’ and ‘lacking a strategic vision’. In issuing their apology, Chard Town Council says no further action will be taken against any individuals or groups, and the report’s recommendations will be implemented at a future council meeting.

Visitors to Ham Hill Country Park are being asked to tread carefully and keep pets on leads to protect breeding skylarks. Skylarks, which make their nests in dense grass at ground level, are at risk of being disturbed by human activity, including walking and recreational activities, that can damage nests, disturb chicks, and disrupt breeding. Visitors are asked to keep to designated footpaths and avoid protected areas.

The group which represents bus users in Somerset has welcomed the news that the county is getting six million pounds of government funding towards its bus services. Somerset Council will use the money to improve services in Yeovil and Bridgwater and protect rural services across the Mendips. Improvements to transport hubs will also be made.

Concern has been raised about the dangers to wildlife of used syringes found near Chard Reservoir. Somerset Council was told about the find by a member of the public who spotted a pile of used needles close to Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve. They said they were worried the needles might impact the local wildlife, especially the swans who live on the Chard Reservoir. Somerset Council say arrangements are being made to remove the needles.

A consultation has been launched linked to dog control in South Somerset. Somerset Council is proposing to extend two existing orders; the first relates to a dog exclusion zone in part of the Ninesprings Park and the second covers dog fouling and keeping dogs on leads in public places across the former South Somerset District Council area. The Public Space Protection Orders are due to expire, and the Council is seeking the public’s views on extending the orders for a further three years. The consultation runs until 5 May 2025 and can be accessed via the Somerset Council website.

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