Somerset Council is taking action to reduce deaths and serious injuries at a notorious collision site in the county.

Work will be done to replace the existing junction at Whitnell Corner near West Horrington, close to Wells, where the Bath Road B3139 intersects with the B3135, with a new roundabout.

Somerset Council’s first Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) – a long-term, landmark  plan to protect and restore wildlife and habitats – has been published and endorsed by the Council’s Executive.

The LNRS aims to reverse the decline in nature across the county. It outlines priorities for nature recovery, recommended actions, and target areas to achieve the greatest environmental benefits.

Somerset Council has confirmed changes to waste and recycling collections over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Collections due on Good Friday (Friday 3 April) will instead take place on Saturday 4 April.

There will be no collections on Easter Monday (Monday 6 April).

People in Bridgwater South will have a key role in deciding how a major government funding initiative can be used to improve their community.

Pride in Place is a 10-year national programme aimed at making a difference to people’s lives whilst ensuring they are at the heart of decisions on how the funding is spent.

Voluntary and community organisations across Somerset are being encouraged to take part in a new training initiative designed to help strengthen healthier eating messages and support community wellbeing.

‘Focusing on MORE’ is a collaborative health promotion programme delivered by NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Somerset Council.

Meningitis is rare but serious and can progress very quickly, so it’s vital that students and families know the signs and act fast. Symptoms can include a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, and a rash that does not fade when pressed. Early treatment can be lifesaving.

Young people, particularly those at university or college, are strongly encouraged to check they have had the MenACWY vaccination, which protects against 4 common strains of meningococcal disease, although it does not protect against all types. If someone becomes unwell or symptoms cause concern, seek medical help urgently via NHS 111, A&E or by calling 999.

As more people enjoy the outdoors this spring and summer, it’s important to be tick aware. Ticks are small parasites found in grassy and wooded areas and, in some cases, can pass on infections such as Lyme disease. Rates of Lyme disease are higher in Somerset and the South West than the England average, particularly during peak tick activity from April to June.

Simple steps such as wearing long sleeves and trousers, using insect repellent, sticking to clear paths, and checking yourself, children and pets after time outdoors can significantly reduce the risk. If you find a tick, remove it promptly and seek medical advice if flu‑like symptoms develop after a bite.

Families planning a farm visit over the Easter holidays are being reminded to follow simple steps to stay safe and healthy. Farm animals can carry germs that cause illness, even when they look clean, so it’s important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water after touching animals or farm surfaces, and before eating or drinking. Visitors should only eat in designated picnic areas or cafés, avoid touching faces while on the farm, and supervise children closely to make sure they wash their hands properly.

Anyone who feels unwell with sickness or diarrhoea within 2 weeks of a farm visit should contact their GP or NHS 111 and mention they have recently visited a farm.

A shop in Bridge Street, Taunton, has been ordered to close for 3 months after being caught selling illegal tobacco and vaping products to children.

The closure is the 26^th secured by Heart of the South West Trading Standards in its area since July last year as part of its ongoing work to tackle illegal tobacco sales.