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.

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