Friday 22nd May

Friday, 22 May 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The National Farmers Union in Somerset has welcomed the government’s new trade deal with six Gulf countries. Campaigners say Somerset’s canals and locks are in urgent need new investment. The Liverpool comedian John Bishop is heading to Somerset later this year...and more

The Chairman of the National Farmers Union in Somerset has welcomed the government’s new trade deal with six Gulf countries. Mark Humphreys says the agreement, which has taken four years to negotiate, could provide a major boost for farmers and food producers across the region. Export tariffs on products including Cheddar cheese and butter are expected to be cut by up to ninety per cent. Mr Humphreys says the deal sounds positive for the agricultural sector, but he wants to study the full details before giving it his complete backing.

There’s concern in two Somerset villages over plans to build up to fifteen hundred new homes close to the new Jaguar Land Rover electric car battery factory near Bridgwater. Residents in Woolavington and Puriton fear the development could dramatically change the character of the area and effectively turn the villages into a small town. Somerset Council is expected to decide on the proposals within the next few weeks.

Campaigners say Somerset’s canals and locks are crumbling and urgently need investment. Three locks, including those at Maunsel and Firepool, are said to be at risk of failure if repairs are not carried out soon. The Somerset Canal and Rivers Trust says the waterways are historically important and vital for tourism and wildlife across the county.

The Liberal Democrat leader of Somerset Council, Councillor Bill Revans, has reshuffled his top team for the final time before next year’s local elections. Most members of the nine-person executive are staying in their current roles. Councillor Sarah Wakefield continues overseeing adults’ services and housing, while Councillor Heather Shearer remains responsible for children, families and education. Councillor Mike Rigby keeps his economic development and planning brief, with Councillor David Woan staying on as deputy. Councillor Steve Ashton becomes assistant portfolio holder for climate change, while Councillor Nicola Clark remains responsible for culture and leisure, including the ongoing regeneration of Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre.

The Liverpool comedian John Bishop is heading to Somerset later this year. He’ll perform for one night only at Taunton’s County Ground on Friday the 11th of September.

More from News

Tuesday 2nd June

Somerset Prostate Cancer Support Group says a decision not to introduce mass screening for prostate cancer is the wrong one. A Martock woman has been banned from driving for 28 months. Somerset Council is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking the volunteers who help deliver council services... and more
Monday 1st June

People in Somerset with Football Banning Orders are being reminded they must surrender their passports by the end of today ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament. A road in Yeovil will close for nine days later this week. Farmers from Somerset were among the winners of this year's ITV Britain's Got Talent final...and more
Friday 29th May

South Western Ambulance Service is struggling to cope after a surge in 999 calls during the hot weather. Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke says a shortage of rental homes is making it harder for rural employers to attract workers. The National Trust is warning that changing weather patterns are making it difficult to maintain the Cerne Abbas Giant... and more
Thursday 28th May

People are being asked to take extra care in parks and open spaces as high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fire. Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Yeovil can now go ahead after a High Court challenge by Mudford Parish Council was dismissed. A Somerset bakery chain has sparked a reaction after it stopped making iced buns... and more
Wednesday 27th May

The UK Health Security Agency has increased its heat health alert for Somerset to amber. Trading Standards officers have shut down three shops in Taunton after illegal cigarettes and vapes were discovered on the premises. Bridgwater Town Council is considering running its own bus services...and more
Tuesday 26th May

A Martock agricultural machinery business has gone into administration, putting around thirty jobs at risk. A new sensory room has opened at a Yeovil schook to support neurodiverse pupils. The headteacher of a Chard primary school is stepping down... and more
Thursday 21st May

Police are being asked to cut the time the M5 is closed following accidents. Plans to build a major solar farm near Chard have been thrown out. Aldi is asking shoppers to help find locations for new stores in Somerset...and more
Wednesday 20th May

People in Somerset are being encouraged to get their cholesterol checked to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A Chard man has appeared in court charged with using threatening behaviour. A gardener from Somerset has won a silver award at the Chelsea Flower Show... and more