Wednesday 7th October

Wednesday, 7 October 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after the charity that runs it confirmed it will cease operations at the end of the month. Taunton Theatre Association announced the Brewhouse would close temporarily late last month due to a lack of funds. But despite pledges of financial support, the charity says it doesn't have time to implement a survival plan and the theatre will close permanently on Saturday, October 31st.

A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. Appearing before local magistrates, Jack Edwards, aged 39, of Bramble Mews, pleaded guilty to breaching a disqualification order after being found in control of a German Shepherd-type dog, a Spaniel Labrador-style dog, a Mastiff-style dog, a Husky-type dog, and a brown and black Collie-type dog found at his Chard address. Edwards was fined £120 and told to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

The government has approved Somerset Council’s SEND Reform Plan. The decision unlocks significant investment to strengthen support and improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities across the county. It will support earlier help, greater inclusion in mainstream education, and mean more joined-up services for children, young people and their families.

Forty NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week in a dispute over a pay. They are among 200 GXO-employed drivers across England who have voted to take industrial action after rejecting a four per cent pay offer. The drivers transport a range of essential medical equipment, including bandages, dressings, gowns, gloves and needles. The NHS says plans are in place to minimise disruption caused by the industrial action.

National Grid Distribution has launched a £500,000 winter funding programme to help tackle fuel poverty. Community organisations in Somerset can apply for grants to provide energy-saving advice, support isolated residents, and distribute items such as blankets and draught excluders.

More from News

Tuesday 6th October

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more
Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.
Thursday 1st October

765 new homes have been given planning permission on the edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council’s Executive will meet to consider new parking charges. Four of the county’s best military cadets have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant cadets... and more.
Wednesday 30th September

Police are appealing for a missing 17 year old from Castle Cary. A registered sex offender has been sentenced to 9 years in prison. A former Chard student who is one of six writers in the running to win this year's Booker Prize has paid tribute to his childhood teachers... and more.
Tuesday 29th September

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service say this summer saw record-breaking levels of demand. The charity that runs the Brewhouse Theatre has confirmed that it will definitely close. A Chard charity has launched a minibus service to improve community transport... and more.
Monday 28th September

Somerset Community Foundation says it has awarded more than £40 million in grants across the county. The family of a Somerset girl say they used AI to help diagnose her genetic condition. A property in Monks Dale, Yeovil is subject to a three month Closure Order... and more.
Friday 25th September

’20 Is Plenty’ is the message to drivers travelling through Langport. Chard’s Numatic manufacturing hub is marking 45 years of business with an investment of £85m into the company. Wessex Water tell us the hosepipe ban will remain across the region... and more.