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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Thursday 19th February

Yeovil fire station is to undergo a major refurbishment. A Yeovil based charity is appealing for adults to become mentors to young people. A Somerset woman has completed a 10,000 kilometre solo bike ride across Africa... and more
Wednesday 18th February

New figures have shown a rise in cases of suicide involving farmers, including in Somerset. Plans to merge the parishes of Castle Cary and Ansford have been scrapped. A Somerset-based charity working to end homelessness is marking its 50th anniversary... and more
Tuesday 17th February

Avon and Somerset Police are asking the owners of replica guns to hand them in. It's claimed motorists in the Bruton and Wincanton area are paying out hundreds of pounds in repairs due to the poor state of local roads. And, Yeovil Town take on Aldershot at Huish Park tonight... and more
Monday 16th February

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has warned that the Westlands entertainment venue in Yeovil would be at risk should Leonardo not be awarded a government contract to build new medium life helicopters. A Chard woman has been given a suspended jail sentence for carrying a knife in a public place. A petition has been launched to slowdown motorists using Coker Way and Wyatt Way in Chard... and more
Friday 13th February

Somerset Council has dropped plans to close two town centre car parks in Yeovil. A Yeovil man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was attacked in her home. The Environment Agency has committed to reviewing its water management of the Somerset Levels following the recent floods... and more
Thursday 12th February

The government says it's ‘working flat out’ to arrive at a decision on ordering a new medium lift helicopter with Leonardo in Yeovil. We’re being asked to suggest where new electric vehicle charge points should be installed in Somerset. A new project is inviting people to look up and help map Somerset’s night skies... and more
Wednesday 11th February

Somerset Council has been told it can’t raise council tax by more than 5 percent. Businesses in Somerset are being warned to watch out for fake £20 notes. A Martock man has successfully completed a parachute-ski jump off the top of Mount Snowdon.
Tuesday 10th February

Eye operations in Somerset have been cancelled, due to a private company running out of NHS funding to provide the surgery. A local MP is calling for the permanent installation of pumps on the Somerset Levels to reduce the flood risk. A £3 million pound project has begun to refurbish the grand organ at Wells Cathedral... and more