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

Monday 19th January

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more
Friday 16th January

The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more
Thursday 15th January

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.
Wednesday 14th January

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more
Tuesday 13th January

The Government says it won’t bring forward a decision on buying new helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels. Yeovil’s temporary police station on Horsey Lane is to close at the end of the month....and more
Monday 12th January

Leonardo is threatening to shut its Yeovil factory. Somerset Community Foundation says there's still time to donate money to its Surviving Winter Appeal. The Swan Theatre in Yeovil is staging a number of special performances to mark its 50th anniversary...and more.
Friday 9th January

A Yeovil man has been arrested and then de-arrested after a collision in Dorset. A Somerset food manufacturer could be expanding its Wincanton base. A new dementia-friendly choir has been launched in Yeovil...and more.
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.