11 October 2024

Featured news

Urgent call for more foster carers in Somerset

Somerset Council Leader Bill Revans has made a public plea for more foster carers to come forward to provide stable homes for children in Somerset.

Somerset Council Leaders raise concerns over winter fuel allowance removal

The Leaders of all political groups in Somerset have written to the Prime Minister to express deep concerns about the recent decision to remove the Winter Fuel Allowance. 

The letter has been sent following a motion and debate at Full Council last week. It has cross-party support and is signed by Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council and the Liberal Democrat Group, Cllr David Fothergill, Leader of the Conservative Group, Cllr Leigh Redman, Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Dave Mansell, Leader of the Green Group, and Cllr John Hunt, Leader of the Independent Group. 

Latest articles

All systems go for Bridgwater Carnival route

It’s all systems go for Bridgwater’s famous Guy Fawkes Carnival procession, taking place on 2 November. Road improvements taking place in the town as part of the Celebration Mile, the Bridgwater Town Deal project to create an accessible walking and cycling “backbone” across the town, will not affect the Carnival route.

Have yourself a merry Christmas Market at Wells this December

Save the date for Christmas shopping on Saturday 14 December, as Somerset Council brings back the annual celebrated Christmas market in Wells. ‘Christmas in Wells’ will take place Saturday, 14 December, between 9am and 3pm, in Wells Market Place and on the Bishop’s Palace Green.

Yeovil Refresh: Demolition contractors appointed for Glovers Walk revamp

Somerset Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Walters UK as demolition contractors for the Glovers Walk site in Yeovil. Having recently secured ownership of the site, the Council will be working with adjacent building owners and tenants, including Yeovil Bus Station operators First Bus and South West Coaches, to make appropriate arrangements ahead of demolition works commencing.

Promoted news

Three suspected loan sharks arrested in Somerset

Image courtesy of Stop Loan Sharks

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of illegal money lending following an operation in Somerset.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked in partnership with officers from Avon and Somerset Police to execute warrants at 2 addresses in the Holford and Highbridge areas on Wednesday morning (9 October 2024).

Taunton business prosecuted after vape sale to under 18

Image courtesy of Devon County Council / HotSW Trading Standards

The owner of a corner shop has been ordered to pay £2,326 after an employee sold a disposable vape to a customer who was under 18.

It’s the third prosecution for selling vapes to an underage customer in the service area in as many months.

Bridgwater Town Deal presents Luke Jerram’s ‘Fallen Moon’ installation

Image courtesy of Bridgwater Town Council / Bridgwater Town Deal

The Bridgwater Town Deal program is thrilled to announce the UK debut of Luke Jerram’s latest creation, ‘The Fallen Moon,’ at the Bridgwater Docks.

This stunning installation will be on display from Monday, 14 October to Sunday, 3 November, ahead of the docks’ much-anticipated regeneration.

Explore the cosmos at the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2024

Exmoor National Park’s Dark Skies Festival for 2024 will be held between 18 October and 3 November, providing an unforgettable experience under the stars in one of Europe’s first international Dark Sky Reserves. This year’s festival offers guided stargazing sessions, astrophotography workshops, and activities for all ages. Expert speakers, night walks, and planetarium shows will transport you to the stars while highlighting the importance of preserving our dark skies.

Sign up for Start for Life emails

Image courtesy of NHS

Discover the invaluable support available through the NHS Start for Life emails!

These emails provide timely, expert advice tailored to your child’s developmental stages, from pregnancy tips to toddler milestones. Curated by healthcare professionals, each email is packed with practical information, health advice, and parenting tips to help you give your child the best start in life.

Sign up today to receive regular updates that align with your child’s age and needs, making confident parenting easier.

10,000 boost State Pension with online payments

Image courtesy of HMRC

More than 10,000 payments worth £12.5 million have been made through the new digital service to boost people’s State Pension since it launched in April 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.

People have until 5 April 2025 to maximise their State Pension by making voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill any gaps in their NI record between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2018.