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.

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