Local Plan Consultation 17 January, 2020 - Work is starting on a new Local Plan covering the Somerset West and Taunton Council area. SWT are consulting the Issues and Options document from Monday 13 January to Monday 16 March 2020. The Local [...]
South West Hospitals receive multi-million-pound finance boost 17 January, 2020 - Over 29 million pounds is being invested into the NHS in the South West to improve services and access to much needed care during the busy winter months. The funding follows an announcement earlier in [...]
Road signs and grit bins targeted in rural vandalism spree 16 January, 2020 - Historic fingerpost signs recently restored by volunteers are among the victims of recent rural vandalism in Somerset. A number of other road signs, traffic cones and grit bins have also been targeted. With the cost [...]
Taunton’s iconic former Gaumont Palace Theatre building purchased by council 15 January, 2020 - Somerset West and Taunton Council has purchased Taunton’s iconic Gaumont Theatre building as an investment opportunity. The Grade II listed building which was opened as the Gaumont Palace Theatre in 1932 and is now home [...]
Giving booze the boot – Dry January 2020 15 January, 2020 - Health leaders in Somerset would like you to reconsider your relationship with alcohol this January. Christmas and New Year can be a very joyous time, with plenty of parties and celebrations happening across the world [...] Have your say on Climate Strategy 15 January, 2020 - The public are being urged to have their say on the creation of Somerset’s first Climate Emergency Strategy. All four district councils and Somerset County Council declared or recognised climate and ecological emergencies in 2019, [...] Managing Flood Risk 13 January, 2020 - Somerset West and Taunton Council is set to consider a long-term solution to flood risks in and around Taunton, bringing protection to residents, businesses, roads and infrastructure. The council and the Environment Agency have been [...]
Cut waste, boost frontline spending, says report 10 January, 2020 - Tens of millions of pounds more could be spent on frontline services like bus routes, new schools and climate change work if Somerset changes the way its councils operate, an independent report says. The report [...] Local Lottery New Year bonus draw 10 January, 2020 - Everyone who signs up to purchase one or more tickets for the Somerset West Lottery between now and 21 March will be in with the chance to win a Fit Bit and Google Nest Mini [...] Small Business Local Development Order 8 January, 2020 - Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is consulting on a draft Local Development Order (LDO) designed to support small businesses in rural areas. The Employment LDO is a proactive planning tool to enable increased delivery [...] £200k to support creative dementia projects 8 January, 2020 - Somerset County Council has now invested more than £200,000 in creative and imaginative grass roots dementia projects. New projects receiving backing from the authority include one that offers gardening and hedge-laying activities, and another that [...]
Work to begin on £300,000 upgrade to Musgrove Park Hospital’s birthing centre 8 January, 2020 - Parents-to-be in Taunton and Somerset will soon have access to a state-of-the-art birthing centre following a £300,000 upgrade. Musgrove Park Hospital’s Bracken Birthing Centre, where women who have a low risk of complications can give [...] Key resurfacing in Taunton 7 January, 2020 - Essential resurfacing of a busy road near two supermarkets in Taunton is planned to take place later this month. The road surface on Castle Street, near the junction with Wellington Road and in close proximity [...]
Have your say on tackling Somerset’s Climate Emergency 7 January, 2020 - Online surveys are giving Somerset residents the chance to comment on and help shape a Climate Emergency Strategy for the county. Launched yesterday (6 Jan), one survey closes on 25 February 2020 and can be [...]
Recycle your Christmas tree and collect some free mulch 6 January, 2020 - A SOMERSET Christmas tree farm is giving people who had a fresh Christmas tree this yuletide the chance to recycle it for free this January. People who take their tree to Langford Lakes Christmas Tree [...] Be a New Year volunteer 6 January, 2020 - Public-spirited Somerset residents looking for a New Year’s resolution would be warmly welcomed to join the growing army of volunteers in the county. There are roles to suit almost everyone, from supporting your local library [...]
Taunton’s Great Western Hotel to open on Christmas Day for community meal 22 December, 2019 - The Great Western Hotel in Taunton will be open on Christmas Day this year, as the team volunteer their time to prepare a community meal for those who are spending Christmas alone. The hotel team [...]
Robot revolution in Somerset classrooms 20 December, 2019 - Somerset County Council is taking a trail-blazing lead in the use of robot technology to help poorly children back into the classroom. In the biggest initiative of its kind in the country, the council has [...]
Leading Law Firm Launches Taunton Summer Scheme 18 December, 2019 - Undergraduates or recent graduates are being offered the chance to spend a week with one of the country’s leading law firms at its Taunton office. Clarke Willmott LLP’s vacation scheme allows applicants be paired with [...]
Somerset health leaders urge people to talk before they walk this Christmas 18 December, 2019 - GPs and health leaders in Somerset are asking people to ‘talk before you walk’ this Christmas so that they get the right treatment, first time, when they are unwell. By ringing NHS 111 for advice [...]
Beyond the kerb – what happens to Somerset’s recycling 16 December, 2019 - The latest edition of a pioneering annual report shows how every tonne of recycling in Somerset has contributed to cutting our carbon footprint. Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) was the first in the UK (back in [...] Leader hails ‘remarkable’ financial turnaround 16 December, 2019 - The Leader of Somerset County Council has hailed a ‘remarkable’ financial turnaround as a strategy for the next three years is published. It comes as an independent report into Local Authority performance placed Somerset in [...]
Taunton racing on December 30th 15 December, 2019 - Taunton host their Post Christmas Meeting on Monday December 30th when the first of the seven races on the card which has a whopping prize fund of almost £87,000 on offer goes to post at 12.45pm. [...]
Stay safe and well this winter – look out for your neighbours 11 December, 2019 - Somerset GPs are reminding us all to look out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours this winter, especially during the colder weather. Last winter, about 23,200 people in England died as a result of cold [...] Take a break with Dry January 11 December, 2019 - Drinkers are encouraged to take a break from the booze this January – and have a dry one. Somerset County Council is backing ‘Dry January’, the national campaign led by Alcohol Change UK which aims [...]
Swimmers take on Solent to raise £8000 for Charity 10 December, 2019 - Students at Taunton School recently took on the challenge of swimming across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Ten students completed an epic 5km swim across The Solent in October battling cold water, chop [...]
Crews called to report of horse trapped in barbed wire near Taunton 9 December, 2019 - Fire crews from Taunton along with the specialist rescue team from Bridgwater were mobilised to a report of a horse trapped in barbed wire on Honiton Road, Corfe near Taunton at 15:06 this afternoon (Monday). [...]
Weather warning for Somerset as ‘very strong winds’ expected this evening and overnight 8 December, 2019 - A yellow weather warning for wind is in place across South West England including Somerset starting later today (Sunday) until tomorrow morning. The warning comes as ‘very strong winds are expected during Sunday evening and [...]
Somerset gets ready for a heavyweight Christmas 6 December, 2019 - Somerset’s kerbside collections and recycling sites are expecting festive fun to lead to around 2,700 more tonnes of extra recycling and rubbish in January than in December. That’s a 17% rise, equivalent to 6,000 polar [...]
National award for inspirational Somerset Social Worker 5 December, 2019 - An inspirational Somerset Social Worker has enjoyed ‘one of the best days of her life’ after bagging a top award. After more than forty years of dedicated service, Somerset County Council’s Chris Denovan, a Locality manager [...] Park and Ride Perks 4 December, 2019 - Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is introducing a saver scheme to encourage more people to use the Park and Ride service. The Council has been liaising with the retail and business community in Taunton [...]
New dates for Climate Emergency drop-ins 4 December, 2019 - Rescheduled public events to discuss the creation of Somerset’s first Climate Emergency Strategy have been confirmed. The ‘Have your say’ drop-ins will take place in each District Council area in January and February, being run [...]
Man sustains fractured skull after being punched in Taunton 3 December, 2019 - Update Avon and Somerset Police released the following statement this morning (Wednesday): “Yesterday, we issued an appeal to identify a man in CCTV images we released as part of an investigation into an assault in [...]
Josh Davey signs new deal with Somerset County Cricket Club 3 December, 2019 - Scotland International Josh Davey has signed a contract extension with Somerset County Cricket Club. The 29-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal which will see him remain with the County until at [...] Healthcare workers urged to get FREE flu jab 2 December, 2019 - Last year saw high numbers of flu outbreaks in care homes, and Somerset County Council is urging all health and social care staff to receive their flu vaccination to protect the most vulnerable people in [...]
M People’s Heather Small and Lulu to play Taunton’s Vivary Park 2 December, 2019 - The line-up for the Saturday night of Live in Somerset at Taunton’s Vivary Park has been announced. Branded ‘Saturday Night Live’, the evening will feature the voice of M People, Heather Small and the legendary [...] #16Days of action to help combat domestic abuse 27 November, 2019 - Somerset County Council is backing a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence in a bid to end it. Sixteen Days of Action against domestic abuse started this week (Monday 25 November) and runs [...]
Lights to be strung around Taunton’s ‘Independent Quarter’ to help boost footfall 26 November, 2019 - Somerset West and Taunton Council has arranged for lights to be strung around St James Street, the Riverside, Middle Street and the Courtyard which are home to many independent retailers and businesses. The lights will [...] Stay well and winter-fit 26 November, 2019 - Recent falling temperatures remind us that winter is coming – and Somerset County Council and health partners urge everyone to take simple steps to prepare and stay well during the coldest months of the year. [...]
Taunton-based PCSO Sam Bushen heralded ‘one of most courageous people in force’ 25 November, 2019 - Taunton-based PCSO Sam Bushen has been commended for his ‘outstanding bravery‘ after being stabbed with scissors whilst detaining a suspect. PCSO Bushen was one of the officers, police staff and members of the public honoured [...]
Accessible Santa is arriving soon at Compass Wellbeing 25 November, 2019 - Accessible Santa is a unique festive experience in the heart of Taunton, at Compass Wellbeing on the Belvedere Trading Estate. Accessible Santa is now in its 3rd year and is always hugely popular with families from [...]
Taunton’s WinterFest coming to town this Sunday 20 November, 2019 - Taunton’s Christmas lights will be switched on when Taunton’s WinterFest comes to town this Sunday (24 November). The event, taking place from 10:00 until 20:00, will include live entertainment, fun fair rides, market stalls and [...]
Santa To Fly Into Weston-super-Mare 20 November, 2019 - December is a very busy time for Rudolph and his reindeer friends. To help Santa and his crew out, he will be flying down from his toy factory at the North Pole by helicopter in [...] Charge Point Funding Awarded 20 November, 2019 - Somerset West and Taunton Council has awarded grants to help fund the installation of electric vehicle charge points across the district. All parish and town councils were invited to apply for grants of between £500 [...]
Tom Abell Commits His Future to Somerset County Cricket Club 19 November, 2019 - Somerset County Cricket Club are delighted to be able to reveal that Club Captain, Tom Abell has pledged his future to the County. The 25-year-old has signed a new contract extension which will see him [...] Motorcyclist dies following fatal collision on A38 18 November, 2019 - Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision near Taunton last night (Sunday). The collision between a motorcycle and car happened on the A38 at Thurloxton at about 17:00. A motorcycle [...] Step up for Road Safety week 18 November, 2019 - Somerset County Council’s road safety team is urging drivers to step up for Road Safety Week. Road Safety Week, which runs from the 18th to the 24th of November, is an annual charity event organised by Brake, [...]
Jack Leach pledges his future to Somerset County Cricket Club 15 November, 2019 - There was more good news for Somerset Members and supporters yesterday after Jack Leach showed his commitment to the Club by signing a new two-year contract extension. The 28-year-old’s current deal was due to expire [...]
Innovative Somerset project wins national award 14 November, 2019 - An innovative Somerset project which is supporting people to remain safely in the community has won the prestigious St Peter Carr Partnership Award! More than 80 nominations were received this year and only eight finalists [...] Man banned from parts of Taunton town centre jailed for breaching criminal behaviour order 14 November, 2019 - A 41-year-old man from Taunton, banned from parts of Taunton town centre, has been jailed for breaching a criminal behaviour order. Thomas Crosbie was issued with the order at Taunton Magistrates Court on 31 October. [...]
Christmas craft fayre & tastings to kick start the festive season 13 November, 2019 - SOMERSET folk are invited to a free Christmas Fayre at a farm shop in the county this month (November, 2019) to help officially kick off the countdown to Christmas. Rumwell Farm Shop is hosting the [...]
Don’t let your tipple topple your health 12 November, 2019 - Many of us enjoy a tipple or two, but Somerset County Council and health partners are encouraging everyone this Alcohol Awareness Week (11 to 17 Nov) to know their limits and get everyone thinking and [...] Police officer dismissed after ‘abusive and highly offensive comments to colleagues’ in Taunton 12 November, 2019 - A police officer has been dismissed without notice after allegations of gross misconduct were proven at a hearing held at police headquarters on Monday. PC James McCall was found to have breached standards of authority, [...] Man banned from shops and parts of Taunton town centre 11 November, 2019 - A 41-year-old man from Taunton has been banned from parts of Taunton town centre and several shops after being issued with a criminal behaviour order. The order was granted at Taunton Magistrates Court on 31 [...]
McFly to play Taunton’s Vivary Park 11 November, 2019 - McFly have announced they’re coming to Taunton for a one-off summer show as part of Live in Somerset. The band, made up of Tom Fletcher, Dougie Poynter, Danny Jones and Harry Judd, will headline on [...]
Musgrove Park reaches national awards final for its dementia friendly care 8 November, 2019 - Patients at Musgrove Park Hospital are being cared for in one of the best dementia friendly environments in the country, according to national experts. The hospital reached the final in the Dementia Friendly Hospital category [...] Taunton Racecourse host their next meeting on November 14th 7 November, 2019 - Taunton Racecourse host their next meeting on Thursday November 14th when the six race card which includes a Class 3 handicap steeplechase kicks off at 1.25pm, and carries a hugely generous prize fund of almost £58,000. [...] Superfast broadband public consultation launched 6 November, 2019 - A public consultation has been launched by Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) ahead of undertaking a fresh procurement to find contractors to provide superfast broadband. CDS, which is responsible for rolling out broadband across the [...] Pilot scheme puts social care in A&E 6 November, 2019 - A pioneering pilot scheme to help ease the pressures on NHS resources this winter is being spearheaded by Somerset County Council and local NHS partners. Starting in the next few months, the trial will see [...] Man threatens woman with screwdriver and demands her rucksack in Taunton 5 November, 2019 - Avon and Somerset Police have issued CCTV images of a man they’d like to trace as part of their investigation into an attempted robbery in Taunton. The incident happened at about 05:15 on Saturday 2 [...]
Brand New Christmas Event for West Somerset Railway 5 November, 2019 - The West Somerset Railway (WSR) has introduced a new and invigorating element to their Christmas programme of events for 2019. The WSR, which had a difficult start to the year, has enhanced their very successful [...]
Breastfeeding: Going for gold 4 November, 2019 - Somerset County Council is setting its sights on gold in recognition of the countywide achievements in promoting and supporting breastfeeding mums. Somerset’s Public Health Nursing Team have again been accredited with Unicef’s Baby Friendly Initiative [...]
Climate Emergency drop-ins rescheduled 4 November, 2019 - Following the announcement of a December General Election, the public events organised to discuss a Somerset Climate Emergency strategy have been moved to the New Year. The ‘Have your say’ drop-in events had been scheduled [...]
Weather warning for Somerset as strong winds and heavy rain expected 1 November, 2019 - A yellow weather warning for wind and rain is in place across South West England including Somerset tomorrow (Saturday). Tomorrow is set to be a very windy day for the south and east of England [...]
Three opportunities to join the DoE adventure 1 November, 2019 - Somerset County Council is looking for people to fill three new exciting Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteering opportunities. Whether it’s helping at the Bath & West Show, supervising at Kilve Court or assessing expeditions, each [...]
Marie Curie launches appeal for volunteers in Somerset 1 November, 2019 - Marie Curie is appealing for local volunteers to help raise vital funds to support people in Somerset living with a terminal illness and their families. Sue Golden, a former Marie Curie Nurse from Bridgwater, has [...] Firepool information event 31 October, 2019 - Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is holding an information event to show how work is progressing on the Firepool masterplan. Proposals for the regeneration of Firepool were approved by the Council in June outlining [...]
Scott Hawkins named as new Head Groundsman 31 October, 2019 - Somerset County Cricket Club are pleased to be able to announce that Scott Hawkins will be the new Head Groundsman at the Cooper Associates County Ground. Scott has a wealth of experience and held the [...] Man steals bottles of whisky and threatens member of staff when challenged in Taunton 30 October, 2019 - Avon and Somerset Police would like to speak to a man about a robbery at Asda on Creechbarrow Road in Taunton. The incident happened at 08:05 on Wednesday 23 October. A man stole two bottles [...]
Taunton to get ice rink this Christmas 28 October, 2019 - Somerset West and Taunton Council has confirmed that it will bring an ice rink to Taunton as part of this years’ festive offering. The Christmas Ice Rink, operated by iSK8, will be at Castle Green [...]
Pumpkin plea to save Halloween from costly waste 28 October, 2019 - Simple steps can stop Halloween becoming a frightening waste of resources and cash with lots of single-use plastic, according to Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP). From costumes to the classic pumpkin, there are easy ways to [...] Stay safe on the roads this Halloween 25 October, 2019 - The road safety team at Somerset County Council are casting their best spell to keep everyone safe this Halloween. October 31st is a popular time for many and trick or treating means an increase in night-time [...] Additional roads to be gritted as highways teams gear up for winter 24 October, 2019 - Somerset’s highways teams are all set for winter – with 23 gritters on standby and 7,000 tonnes of salt ready to roll when temperatures drop. This winter Somerset County Council will be investing an extra £200,000 into [...] Christmas Trading Incentives 24 October, 2019 - Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is offering incentives to support traders in towns and villages across the district this festive season. The Council is offering free parking all day on the four Saturdays leading [...]
Cricket legend Marcus Trescothick to switch on Taunton’s Christmas lights 23 October, 2019 - Cricket legend Marcus Trescothick will switch on Taunton’s Christmas lights this year. The honour has been given to the Somerset star who retired at the end of the season. Marcus was a natural choice for [...]
Somerset’s Climate Emergency strategy: The conversation starts here 23 October, 2019 - A series of public events will be giving people across the county the chance to discuss the first steps towards a Climate Emergency Strategy for Somerset. The Climate Emergency ‘have your say’ drop-in events are [...]
Your spare room could change a teenager’s life 23 October, 2019 - Somerset County Council are highlighting the urgent need to recruit more ‘Stepping Stones’ carers to support young teens as they enter adult life this National Care Leavers’ Week (28 October – 3 November). Stepping Stones [...]
Tea, Cake, and Death: Death Cafe Taunton to meet on Saturday,23 November 2019 22 October, 2019 - Following a successful and well-attended August meeting of Death Cafe Taunton, organisers are planning another, to be held on Saturday, 23 November, 2019, at the Creative Innovation Centre, Taunton, from 2 to 4 pm. [...] In Bloom accolade for Taunton 21 October, 2019 - TAUNTON has received recognition for its stunning floral displays winning a Silver Gilt award in the Pennant Town category at this years’ South West in Bloom awards. South West in Bloom is one of eighteen [...]
Panel seeks volunteers for crucial role 21 October, 2019 - A crucial role has become available to help Somerset County Council decide how much allowance to pay its councillors. The Joint Independent Remuneration Panel is looking for two new volunteers. Although a voluntary role, panel [...]
Taunton Carnival 2019: Results, Pictures & Video 20 October, 2019 - The 54th Illuminated Procession made its way through the streets of Taunton on Saturday night (19th October). As ever the spectacle began with a cavalcade of the ever-popular Harley Davidson motorcycles parading around the route [...]
HydraFacial open day to raise money for NSPCC 18 October, 2019 - AN OPEN day to launch a new health and beauty treatment in Somerset looks set to raise invaluable funds to help protect children through the work of the NSPCC (November 2019). The launch of the [...] Police statement following fatal collision in Taunton 17 October, 2019 - Avon and Somerset Police have released a statement following a fatal collision in Taunton. “At around 01:30 this morning (Thursday 17 October), we were called to reports of car, which was believed to have been [...] Bedroom ‘well alight’ in Taunton 16 October, 2019 - Fire appliances from Taunton and Bridgwater were mobilised to a property fire at Medway Close in Taunton at 12:38 this afternoon (Wednesday). On arrival, crews confirmed one bedroom well alight and requested for a further [...] Surface dressing for 2019 now complete 16 October, 2019 - A multi-million pound programme to improve nearly 150 miles of road across Somerset is now complete as our teams fought through searing heat and stormy conditions alike over the summer. Surface dressing is a maintenance [...] Taunton’s Park and Ride to open on Saturdays 16 October, 2019 - Taunton’s Park and Ride Saturday service is being re-instated from 2 November with buses running every 20 minutes from the sites at Junction 25 and Silk Mills. Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) has been [...] ’Suspicious‘ 4×4 fire in Taunton 16 October, 2019 - Fire crews from Taunton were called to a report of a vehicle on fire at an industrial estate at Venture Way in Taunton at 00:46 this morning (Wednesday). On arrival at the incident crews requested [...] ‘Every Mind Matters’ – how’s yours? 16 October, 2019 - Somerset residents experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood and trouble sleeping are encouraged to visit a new ‘Every Mind Matters’ website to empower them to take action to manage and improve their mental health. Somerset County Council and [...]
Taunton Carnival 2019: Everything you need to know 15 October, 2019 - The 54th Illuminated Procession moves off this Saturday (19th Oct) at 7pm sharp from the bridge in Tangier Way and down into Wood Street. It turns right into Bridge Street before going up through the [...] Crews called to deep fat fryer fire in Taunton 15 October, 2019 - Two fire appliances from Taunton was mobilised to a fire on Wellington Road in Taunton at 10:31 this morning (Tuesday). On arrival, crews confirmed this incident to involve a deep fat fryer. Crews extinguished the [...]
More support for creative dementia projects 15 October, 2019 - More creative and imaginative grass roots dementia support is being helped by grants from Somerset County Council. The authority is looking to invest more than half a million pounds to kick-start and extend projects and [...] Camper van on fire in Taunton 14 October, 2019 - One fire appliance from Taunton was immediately mobilised following a call from a member of public reporting a camper van on fire at Critchard Way in Taunton at 18:43 this evening (Monday). On arrival, the [...]
Help save lives on the road in Somerset 14 October, 2019 - A local car dealership is among the firms helping drive forward life-saving work in Somerset by sponsoring the County Council’s road safety team. Rowcliffes Vauxhall have shown their commitment to helping reduce the number of [...] Shed ‘well alight’ in Taunton 11 October, 2019 - Two fire appliances from Taunton attended a shed fire on Greenway Road in Taunton at 16:16 this afternoon (Friday). The shed was well alight on arrival. Crews put the fire out using two breathing apparatus [...]
Low Carbon Future: ‘Somerset is Leading the Way’ 11 October, 2019 - Somerset is at the forefront of innovations to help the country deliver a low carbon future. That’s the view of Councillor David Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Inward Investment at Somerset County Council, who [...]
Family tribute to car driver who died in fatal A38 collision 11 October, 2019 - The family of the car driver who died in a collision on the A38 near Wellington have released a photo and short tribute. Simon Lane, a local businessman, aged 54, sadly died at the scene [...]
Avon and Somerset Police will get 137 new officers next year 9 October, 2019 - Avon and Somerset Police will get 137 new officers next year as part of the Home Office drive to recruit 20,000 nationally by 2022. Today the Home Secretary announced that every police force in England [...]
Chairman’s award for World Cup hero 9 October, 2019 - Local hero Jos Buttler has had his Cricket World Cup feats recognised with a special award from Somerset County Council. Wicketkeeper batsman Jos, originally from Wedmore, was a key figure in England’s historic World Cup [...] Local Lottery bonus draw 9 October, 2019 - Everyone who signs up to purchase one or more tickets for the Somerset West Lottery between now and 2 November 2019 will be in with the chance to win a bonus prize this autumn. Players [...] Man dies following fatal collision involving car and lorry on A38 9 October, 2019 - Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision on the A38 near Wellington yesterday (Tuesday). The incident happened shortly before 13:00 on the hill near to the Beambridge Inn and involved [...]