Wednesday 7th January

Wednesday, 7 January 2026 06:00

Somerset's Lib Dem MPs have described a one per cent rise in Council funding as 'profoundly disappointing'. A new independent cinema will open next month in Wincanton. We’re facing the chance of heavy snow with Storm Goretti hitting the region on Thursday...and more.

Somerset's six Lib Dem MPs, including Yeovil’s Adam Dance, have described a one per cent rise in Somerset Council's funding package as 'profoundly disappointing'. Over the next three years, the Council is due to receive £252 million. While the Council's leader, Bill Revans, has given the settlement a cautious welcome, MPs are demanding an urgent meeting with the government, concerned that local people will have to pay higher council taxes.

A new independent cinema will open next month in Wincanton - bringing a former church and bingo hall back into use. It will be run by S&B Cinemas, which has sites in Frome, Minehead and Burnham. Owner Pat Scott said he wanted to bring the building back into use rather than let developers acquire it.

We’re once again facing the risk of heavy snow as Storm Goretti is expected to hit the region on Thursday evening. The Met Office says the weather could bring between 5 and 20 cm of snow in some areas of the southwest.

A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place across large parts of the Somerset Levels, following an update from the Government. The zone extends to Somerton and Langport and was triggered by the detection of avian flu at a premises near Ashcott in November. Signs have been put out on main roads in the zone to alert motorists passing through.

Chard’s traditional Wassail event is returning to the town’s Community Orchard next week. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 18th at 5.30 pm. We recommend that visitors bring a lantern or torch and wrap up warm. The event will include Morris dancing, mulled cider and apple cake and will be hosted by Stuart Cumming, the Chard town crier.

More from News

Thursday 8th January

Adam Dance MP is welcoming developments in his campaign to support neurodivergent schoolchildren. Somerset was the star of the small screen last night, thanks to BBC comedy ‘Can You Keep A Secret’. A Yeovil gymnastics club has hosted a VIP guest...and more.
Tuesday 6th January

The Poundland chain has confirmed its store closures, including one of the Yeovil branches next Friday. Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been awarded an OBE for her outstanding contribution to rugby. Nearly one hundred new low-cost homes could be coming to South Chard...and more.
Monday 5th January

A woman has been cut free from her car after a four-vehicle collision in Montacute. Devon and Somerset fire crews have been praised for their bravery, following the summer wildfires. More new homes are set to be built in Martock, following approval from Somerset Council...and more.
Wednesday 24th December

A formal planning application has been made to carry out significant improvements to Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre, costing £15 million. The Halifax Bank in King George Street in Yeovil could be converted into 17 flats. A new young people’s centre opens in Chard early in the New Year...and more.
Tuesday 23rd December

NHS Somerset reports a strong uptake of flu jabs, but some eligible people for free vaccinations haven’t come forward. Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident on the A303 in which a pedestrian was killed. A Crewkerne woman has gone viral on TikTok after being trapped inside a Lidl store in the town... and more.
Monday 22nd December

Somerset Bus Partnership has welcomed a £24.7m boost for the county's bus services. Outline planning permission has been granted to build up to 100 new homes in Ilminster. An Ilminster man has been banned from keeping animals for seven years. Residents in Chiselborough have set up a group to try and re-open the village pub...and more.
Friday 19th December

Crewkerne Community Hospital is to lose half its inpatient beds. A review will be conducted of a project to make Bridgwater more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. Chard Methodist Church is offering residents a free lunch on Christmas Day. Yeovil-based Screwfix is opening a new outlet in Minehead...and more.