20 December 2024

Featured news

Leaders welcome Devolution White Paper

The Leaders of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Councils are optimistic that they can work with Government to progress proposals for the Heart of Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority following the publication of the Devolution White Paper.

If the devolution proposal is approved, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire councils will continue to exist and are expected to have the same responsibilities as they do now. 

Get ready for Christmas waste collections

With the festive season in full swing, Somerset Council is reminding everyone to take a note of changes to recycling and rubbish collections.

There will be no collections on Wednesday 25 December, Thursday 26 December or Wednesday 1 January.

Latest articles

Road closure needed for Eastover Celebration Mile works

Somerset Council and contractor Taylor Woodrow have announced a change to traffic management to help deliver the next stage of the Celebration Mile improvements safely and on time. The initial plan had been to carry out the remaining works on Eastover in Bridgwater under a one-way traffic control.

Triangle set to re-open early in the New Year

One of the most exciting areas in the rejuvenation of Yeovil town centre is well underway to being fully unveiled to the public in early January 2025. The area known as ‘The Triangle’ at the eastern end of the town has been the focus of complex and extensive redevelopment and upgrades, in a transformation designed to boost much needed investment in Yeovil’s economy.

Wells Christmas Market 2024: A magical myriad of stalls and festivities

Hundreds of shoppers flocked to the market on Saturday 14 December, making the most of the vibrant stalls that offered a wide range of food, beverages, and unique gifts. Usually held in the Bishops Palace Green, Somerset Council’s Mendip Markets Team made the decision to relocate the event due to the risk posed by a large, old tree which has been made unsafe by the recent storms.

Protect loved ones this Christmas: Recognise the hidden signs of domestic abuse

As the festive season approaches, Somerset Council is urging the public and employers to remain vigilant for signs of domestic abuse, a shadow often cast over the holiday period. For many, Christmas is a time for love and celebration, but for those experiencing domestic abuse, it can be a time of fear and isolation.

Promoted news

Measles is on the rise in Somerset

If you or your child experience symptoms of measles – such as fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, or a rash starting on the face and spreading – please do not attend healthcare settings in person.

Instead, contact your GP or NHS111 for advice. The team will assess your symptoms and arrange appropriate care with the necessary infection prevention and control measures in place.

Buying toys or electrical items this Christmas?

Image courtesy of HotSW Trading Standards

To help ensure that the toys you are buying this Christmas are safe Trading Standards has released 2 short videos.

The videos, about toy safety and buying electrical goods, feature Holly Traynor from the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service and she gives her top tips and advice on what to look for and what to avoid.

Working this Christmas? Check your pay

HMRC YouTube video: Are you getting paid the National Minimum Wage this Christmas?

Whether you're working in shops, hotels, Christmas markets, or warehouses, you are legally entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This applies to temporary seasonal staff. Stay informed and ensure you're getting what you deserve this Christmas.

Learn more about your rights as a festive worker and make the most of your seasonal job.

Deliver the gift of a lift this festive season!

Medical appointments don’t stop at Christmas and our Volunteer Drivers are invaluable to people who need help getting to hospital and social care appointments.

Searching for some festive cheer and last-minute gifts?

Don't forget your local high street! Check out Frome Weekly Market’s Christmas shopping in Frome on Saturday, 21 December.

Enjoy hot food, entertainment, artisan stalls and products, lots of local traders and a great atmosphere.

Last but not least…

Stock image by Darwin Laganzon from Pixabay

From all of us at Somerset Council, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

We’ll be back with our first weekly news roundup of 2025 in early January. Until then, if you enjoy our content, please forward to a friend and encourage them to subscribe!