Wednesday 4th February

Wednesday, 4 February 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council is asking the government for extra funds to pay for the damage caused by Storm Chandra. There’s been a setback to the campaign to reopen Chinnock Hollow. The Telegraph newspaper has named the Barrington Boar at Barrington in a list of the top 50 best pubs in the UK... and more

Somerset Council is asking the government for extra funds to pay for the damage caused by Storm Chandra. It's estimated it will cost more than £1million to fix roads and support people affected by flooding. Councillor Leader, BIll Revans says last weekend alone, they received 850 reports of road defects, and they need the government to step-up.

There’s been a setback to the campaign to reopen Chinnock Hollow. The road, which acts as a shortcut between East Chinnock and Odcombe closed in 2021 following landslide. It had been thought the road would reopen this year, but Somerset Council says no funds for repairs have been allocated to the highways budget for 2026/27 meaning, that for the foreseeable future, Chinnock Hollow will remain off-limits.

The Dalmatian Pelican, a bird with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet, could be reintroduced to Somerset. It’s one of Europe's largest flying birds but hasn't lived in Somerset for centuries. Experts have been visiting the county to assess whether the Dalmatian Pelican could be reintroduced on the Somerset Levels.

Plans have been passed to expand Teals Farm Shop at South Cadbury. 164 sq m of additional retail space will be created along with 189 sq m of community space. 59 new parking spaces will be provided, including additional electric vehicle charging points.

A senior figure in the Church of England in Somerset is stepping down after nine years of service. The Venerable Anne Gell, archdeacon of Wells, will leave her post in the Diocese of Bath and Wells at the end of May.

The Telegraph newspaper has named the Barrington Boar at Barrington in a list of the top 50 best pubs in the UK. Since taking over The Barrington Boar in 2018, Alasdair Clifford and Victoria Collins have established it as a contemporary pub and restaurant, as well as a bed and breakfast.

More from News

Tuesday 3rd February

Five flood warnings remain in place in Somerset covering the rivers Parrett, Yeo, Northmoor and Saltmoor. Somerset Council says it has no plans to demolish a derelict listed building near Chard Leisure Centre. A Yeovil farm shop has been honoured at a national awards ceremony... and more
Monday 2nd February

The Met Office has issued a warning of more heavy rain for Somerset. A survey by Somerset Council shows nearly two-thirds of households would be happy to pay more in council tax. Yeovil Town Council is offering free allotment spaces to support people’s wellbeing... and more
Friday 30th January

Data from the weather centre at RNAS Yeovilton shows rainfall in Somerset was almost double the average for January. A disabled man is taking Somerset Council to the High Court, claiming its council tax reduction scheme is discriminatory. Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard is seeking urgent support to replenish its stocks of hay... and more
Thursday 29th January

Somerset Council has warned that more homes are likely to flood with further heavy rain forecast to end the week. Discount retailer, The Original Factory Shop, which has an outlet in Crewkerne, has gone into administration. A Barista at Costa Coffee in Ilminster has won a place in the finals of a national competition...and more
Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.