Wednesday 4th March

Wednesday, 4 March 2026 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

A man has died in a fire in Wincanton. Somerset Council is planning further cuts of twenty-one million pounds to help balance its books. A campaign to raise £30,000 for a minibus has been launched in Chard... and more

A man has died in a fire in Wincanton. It happened at a flat in Fairfield Court, on Moor Lane, in the early hours of yesterday (Tuesday). Initially, it was reported that no one had been injured in the blaze but, in a statement issued today, police say a man - believed to the occupant of the flat - was found dead at the scene. Three other nearby flats were damaged. An investigation into the cause of the fire is now under way.

Somerset Council is planning further cuts of twenty-one million pounds to help balance its books. Lib Dem Council Leader, Councillor Bill Revans says frontline services will be protected but that the savings are essential to avoid effective bankruptcy. Members of Somerset Council meet today to vote on spending plans for the new financial year, including a five percent rise in council tax bills from April.

The number of councillors on Somerset Council is to be cut by 14. The current figure of 110 councillors will reduce to 96. The Local Government Boundary Commission has recommended the change with the creation of ninety smaller divisions, most of which will have a single councillor.

A botanical artist from Somerset has had her work featured on a set of 10 stamps celebrating the beauty of roses. Marie Burke from Glastonbury designed the stamps by visiting local gardens for inspiration, including the Bishop's Palace in Wells.

A campaign to raise £30,000 for a minibus has been launched in Chard. The mental health charity, Watch, which has already raised £14,000, says the minibus is needed to transport clients to outdoor activities, including to nature recovery projects at farms on the Blackdown Hills.

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Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more