On behalf of all the people of Somerset, we are compelled to speak out publicly to condemn the recent unrest and disorder which we have sadly seen elsewhere in the country.

Any act of violence or racism is deplorable, and we support calls for those involved to be swiftly brought to justice.

Fiveways Special School, Yeovil, has been awarded an Outstanding Ofsted rating following an inspection in June.

The LA maintained school has upheld its Outstanding rating for the nineteenth consecutive year. In their report, Ofsted highlighted: “Pupils excel in all areas of their learning at Fiveways School. Staff are very knowledgeable about the communication, learning and therapeutic needs of each pupil.”

Fiveways School, Yeovil, has been awarded Centre of Excellence status for their MOVE (Movement Opportunities via Education) programme.

The MOVE programme supports disabled children and young people to move on their own. It helps children with complex disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, to develop their thinking and social skills.

The efforts and achievements of more than 370 Somerset children and young people in care have been celebrated at this year’s Annual Achievement Awards . 

The event was organised by the Somerset Council Engagement and Participation team and hosted by members of the Somerset in Care and Leaving Care Council (SiCC & SLCC) who welcomed guests, made speeches and presented awards.

The Somerset Council Engagement and Participation Annual Report for 2023-2024 has been published, detailing the work that has taken place over the last 12 months to listen to and engage with the children and young people of Somerset.  

This year’s report features collaborations from young people across existing Youth Voice Groups, including the Somerset in Care and Somerset Leaving Care Council (SiCC and SLCC), Children and Young People’s Self Advocacy (CYPSA), Youth Parliament and The Unstoppables (a group for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities aged 13-25). 

Somerset Council’s new partner Kiely Bros launched the next phase of its surface treatment schedule on roads across the county this week.

This year’s programme is the biggest in at least four years and will see 1,000,000 sqm of road surface dressed, equivalent to 141 football pitches. This treatment is a greener and more cost-effective form of maintenance, helping to improve the road network whilst emitting significantly less carbon compared to alternative solutions.

Residents in a block of flats in Wells can now easily recycle their electricals with the launch of a pilot project.

Thanks to funding from Material Focus, the not-for-profit leading the UK-wide  ‘Recycle your Electricals’ campaign, the two month trial will allow the residents of St Athelm Lodge to easily and responsibly dispose of small electrical items in the conveniently located pink wheelie bin, with fortnightly collections planned by Somerset Council’s waste collections contractor, SUEZ.

Somerset Council is thrilled to announce that four of their managed open spaces have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for 2024.

Ham Hill, Yeovil Country Park, Wellington Park, and Blenheim Gardens in Minehead have been given the prestigious accolade.

Special recognition goes to Ham Hill Country Park and Wellington Park for retaining their Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, for their exceptional management of historic features.

Somerset Council and the volunteer organisers regret to announce that the Ham Hill Dog Show, originally scheduled for this Sunday 11 August, has been postponed due to the forecast of extremely hot weather.

The welfare of our beloved dogs is our top priority, and we believe it is in their best interest to reschedule the show to a cooler date.