Friday 8th August

Friday, 8 August 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council has paused roadworks on Fore Street in Chard indefinitely due to unforeseen complications. A Somerset farming family says they've lost faith in the government over plans to introduce inheritance tax on farm estates. Memories are being revived of a Live Aid concert in Yeovil from 40 years ago, which raised money for famine relief in Ethiopia.

Somerset Council has paused roadworks on Fore Street in Chard indefinitely due to what it calls unforeseen complications. The repairs, which began in June and were meant to finish by early July, have frustrated local business owners who claim footfall on the High Street in Chard has plummeted.

A Somerset farming family says they've lost faith in the government over plans to introduce inheritance tax on farm estates. Labour says the move will only affect the 500 wealthiest landowners and is aimed at preventing land from not being used for agriculture. But the Kimber family, who've been farming in Wincanton for 80 years, say government policies are unfairly penalising hard-working farming families.

People in Wincanton could miss out on £240,000 for new local facilities if changes to a housing development are approved. Devonshire Homes is building 31 homes at Dancing Green near Wincanton Community Hospital and is seeking to remove its financial contributions for schools, health and leisure, citing viability concerns. Somerset Council is due to decide on the revised plans by early autumn.

Adult education courses in Somerset have been cancelled due to changes in government funding. Maths and English taught as a foreign language, and other Level-2 qualifications will no longer be offered, following updates to the Adult Skills Fund. Somerset Council says it will no longer fund the courses, but that anyone already enrolled will still be able to finish their qualifications.

Building 600 new homes in Yeovil could soon go ahead following the introduction of a new phosphate credit scheme. Plans to build around 12,000 new homes across Somerset are currently delayed due to a lack of phosphate mitigation. New credits, created by fallowing farmland near Yeovil, will allow for work to start building the 600 homes.

Memories are being revived of a Live Aid concert in Yeovil from 40 years ago, when 17 bands played at the Johnson Hall to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. A film of the event, held on August 30th 1985, is being shown at the Quicksilver Mail pub on Thursday, 28th August, for which tickets are now on sale.

More from News

Tuesday 2nd September

An ex-Somerset MP who quit politics after allegations of sexual misconduct has died suddenly. The A378 in Langport has now reopened after extensive work. Crewkerne’s annual Charter Fair, which can be traced back to Saxon times, returns this weekend...and more.
Monday 1st September

The taps are back on in Yeovil, after large parts of the town were left without water on Friday. South Somerset is now considered the UK’s top alternative to the Cotswolds. Yeovil is gearing up for the return of its Literary Festival this October...and more.
Friday 29th August

The Assistant Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says she wants to instil trust in the force. Chard businesses are voicing their concerns after major roadworks started in the town. A farmer who produces potatoes for the crisp industry says the rainfall is welcome but yields will be down... and more.
Thursday 28th August

A Marston Magna man who fell ill on holiday has died. A film of Yeovil’s fundraiser for famine relief is being screened tonight, forty years on. A South Somerset contestant has been ranked fifth place at the World’s Strongest Man (Natural) contest...and more.
Wednesday 27th August

Concerns are being raised over the maintenance of the River Cary, following reports of planned cutbacks. It could be an earlier harvest for Somerset cider growers this autumn after a warm summer. The Teals Farm Shop has revealed plans to broaden its services...and more.
Tuesday 26th August

An investigation is underway after a man was found seriously injured in the Queensway Place area of Yeovil . A man has been charged with murder following an incident in South Petherton. Yeovil Town FC have confirmed that Mark Cooper has been relieved of his duties... and more.
Friday 22nd August

Six hundred parking spaces could be lost in Yeovil town centre if plans to build new homes on public car parks go ahead. The Environment Agency is to stop maintaining some rivers and streams in Somerset to save money. People in Somerset are being warned about a scam involving fake communications from the tax authorities...and more
Thursday 21st August

Yeovil MP, Adam Dance, says families and hospital staff should be given more information about re-opening maternity services at Yeovil Hospital. Yeovil’s renal unit on the Lynx West Trading Estate has been told it must improve on safety. Organisers of a Live Aid concert held in Yeovil 40 years ago are trying to contact the bands that played at the event for a reunion...and more.