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News
roundup
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4 state of the art buses have recently arrived to provide an improved, on-demand, flexible transport service serving Taunton and Wellington.
The new Digital Slinky buses are fully accessible, and offer a handy alternative for people needing to get to the shops, work, appointments or social visits if a bus service is not easily available, or they just want to leave the car at home.
Somerset Council will launch a new bus service linking Glastonbury and Street with Castle Cary railway station in June 2026.
The new 667X service will be operated by Somerset Council using a low-floor, accessible minibus.
It will run throughout the week, including Sundays, alongside the 667 service, which already runs from Street to Castle Cary station.
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Work to replace traffic lights at the end of their working life at 4 key junctions on Taunton’s A38 Wellington Road starts next month.
The works involves the renewal of equipment at the 4 existing signal controlled junctions along the A38 in Taunton. These are the junctions with Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton College, Castle Street, and Parkfield Rd (Musgrove A&E Access).
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A Somerset Council package of safety and improvement works for Bridgwater starts at the Ascot Drive junction with the A38 this month.
Somerset Council is installing a new toucan crossing at the junction which will link to existing and planned active travel provision along Bristol Road.
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Work on a major road safety scheme to reduce deaths and serious injuries at a notorious collision spot will start in June.
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.
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More than 99% of children starting school in Somerset this September have been offered a primary school place at one of their top 3 preferences.
On national primary school offer day (16 April), Somerset Council confirmed that 99.43% of the 4,938 applications received for the 2026/27 academic year were offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools.
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The county’s Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) have been consolidated.
The new operational arrangements came into effect this month (1 April 2026), following a statutory consultation last year with staff, parents, carers, local organisations and the wider public.
The changes are designed to deliver a more consistent, equitable and high‑quality offer for children and young people across Somerset, while supporting closer collaboration and the sharing of resources.
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The Chair of Somerset Council, Cllr Mike Best, was privileged to meet the new Members of the Somerset Youth Parliament and the Advisory Group that supports them.
The meeting, held at County Hall in Taunton on Monday 13 April, provided an opportunity for the Somerset Youth Parliament team to learn more about how local government works, how decisions are made, and some of the challenges currently facing local councils.
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Local residents across Somerset are being urged to have their say as time is running out to take part in a major health and wellbeing survey.
With the deadline fast approaching on Monday 27 April, Somerset Council’s Public Health team is encouraging anyone who has not yet responded to complete the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Survey and help shape future priorities across the county.
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With Easter now behind us and spring in full swing, it’s a natural time to reset routines and refocus on our health and wellbeing.
Somerset Council is encouraging eligible residents to take this opportunity to book their free NHS Health Check and take a simple but important step towards a healthier future.
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Everyone Active YouTube video: Paul Sinha Introduces the Parkinson's Membership
People living with Parkinson’s in Somerset can get a free membership at selected leisure centres, thanks to our partnership with Everyone Active and Parkinson’s UK.
The membership gives access to gym, swimming and group exercise classes, with up to three carers also eligible for free access. Tailored activities, including Parkinson’s golf sessions, are designed to help people stay active, connected and well.
Visiting a farm? Stay safe.
Farm visits are a great day out, but there’s a small risk of picking up infections from animals or the farm environment. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water after touching animals and before eating (hand gels and wipes aren’t enough).
Only eat and drink in picnic or café areas, keep hands away from faces, and make sure children are supervised.
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