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.

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Plans have been submitted to build 30 new homes in Ashill. As the heatwave continues, a Somerset air conditioning business says demand for its services has never been higher. Morrisons has confirmed it will close its Glenthorne Avenue store in Yeovil on August 1st... and more
Thursday 16th July

Plans to build up to one hundred new homes on Yeovil's former cattle market have moved a step closer. It’s being made easier for parents in Somerset to register children for free school meals. Wessex Water says it has no plans for a hosepipe ban at the moment but is keeping a close eye on supplies as demand increases... and more
Wednesday 15th July

Bus passengers in Yeovil have been provided with easier access to the town's bus station. Firefighters are warning of an increased risk of wildfires because of the hot weather. Aldi is asking for public comments on plans to build a new food store in Chard... and more
Tuesday 14th July

A Martock machinery business has been bought out of administration saving the jobs of 15 employees. A Somerton man has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving after a car crashed into a house in Martock. Drivers are being reminded that the A303 between South Petherton and Ilminster will be closed in both directions overnight from tonight... and more
Monday 13th July

Somerset Council says it's lost £91 million on commercial property investments. The former Clay Pigeon Karting Track near Yeovil is to be turned into a holiday park. The fire service is warning the dry conditions continue to pose a risk of grass fires... and more
Friday 10th July

The inquest into the death of a sex offender has returned an open conclusion. A driver has been arrested after a pursuit across the county. Ilminster Arts Centre has held its 2026 Open Exhibition Prize Giving Event... and more
Thursday 9th July

A father who shook his baby to death has been convicted of murder. Local people at high risk of having oesophageal cancer can take part in a new NHS test. Cheddar Reservoir will be closed to the public until next Monday morning because of the extreme heat... and more
Wednesday 8th July

NHS Somerset is warning us to take care as a new amber heat-health alert comes into place. A Yeovil encampment of campervans could soon be evicted. Chard’s former Oscar Mayer site could become home to a new Aldi... and more