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News
roundup
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 Somerset Council has joined forces with Avon and Somerset Police and Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2026 (10 to 17 October).
A joint statement has been published as part of the campaign, reinforcing a shared commitment to making Somerset a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.
Somerset Council has launched a new Growth Hub to help local businesses access fully funded, impartial support and signposting to specialist advice.
The Hub provides a central point of contact for businesses looking for guidance, programmes, networks and events.
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More than 14,000 students at schools and colleges across Somerset have been learning how to safely stand up for others through Active Bystander assemblies.
Commissioned by Somerset Council through its Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) and delivered by Collaborate Digital, the assemblies help young people recognise when something is wrong and understand how they can take safe, positive action.
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Somerset Council is reminding parents, carers and those supporting families to submit applications for children starting or transferring school in September 2027 before the relevant deadline.
In particular, those applying for secondary and upper school places should note the imminent deadline of 31 October 2026.
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Somerset Council’s Green Estates Team is inviting people of all ages to embrace the season with a packed programme of autumn events across its country parks, nature reserves and woodlands.
From campfire storytelling and bushcraft to fungi foraging, photography walks and forest school fun, there are opportunities to connect with nature, learn new skills, get creative and make lasting family memories.
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Somerset Libraries is inviting families to enjoy Library Adventures. This new programme offers free activities at Chard, Priorswood and Wellington libraries.
The programme gives families a welcoming and inclusive place to get active, be creative and enjoy stories together.
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National Highways has advised that the M5 will be closed in both directions between junctions 24 and 25 from 9pm on Wednesday 21 October until 6am on Thursday 22 October for essential maintenance.
A signed diversion will be in place. Motorists should allow extra time and follow the diversion signs rather than sat navs. Check details of the M5 closure on the National Highways website.
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Flood Action Week runs from 12 to 18 October, encouraging residents to understand their flood risk and take simple steps to prepare.
Around 6.3 million properties in England are in areas at risk of flooding. Residents can check the risk in their area, sign up for flood warnings and find practical advice to help protect their home, family or business.
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