Monday 19th October

Monday, 19 October 2026 at 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The Environment Agency says reservoir levels across Somerset are well below what they should be for the time of year. A former school building in Wincanton could be turned into a recording studio and arts venue. Families in Somerset are being reminded of the October 31st deadline to apply for school places ...and more

The Environment Agency says reservoir levels across Somerset are an average of 24% full, which is well below what they should be at this time of year. Examples include Sutton Bingham on the outskirts of Yeovil which is at 26% capacity and Clatworthy reservior at 23%. The most serious situation is at Wimbleball which is at 15% capacity. Last week, the Environment Agency announced that Somerset had been placed under a ‘severe drought’ restriction to protect supplies.

Plans to transform a former betting shop in Yeovil into a hot food takeaway have been refused after planners raised concerns over children's health, noise, and highway safety. The application sought to change the use of 94A Lyde Road, a vacant single-storey commercial building on the Buckland Road Penn Mill trading estate. But Somerset Council planners recommended the scheme be refused, with the health implications of a takeaway close to a place where young people gather forming a central part of their decision.

Families in Somerset are being reminded of the deadline to apply for school places for next year. Somerset Council says applications for secondary and upper school places need to be submitted by October 31st. For children starting school or moving to a middle school, the deadline to apply in mid-January.

Work has begun today creating a new walking and cycling route linking nearby villages with the site of the new electric vehicle battery plant being built at Bridgwater.

A former school building in Wincanton could be turned into a recording studio and arts venue. The proposals relate to the former Baptist School on Mill Street, a Victorian building dating back to 1887. Under the plans submitted to Somerset Council it will be converted into a creative hub offering professional recording and mixing facilities for musicians, and video creators.

More from News

Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more
Tuesday 20th October

The NSPCC says sexual communication offences involving children in the South-West have more than doubled since the offence was introduced seven years ago. People in Somerset are being warned that artificial intelligence is being used to make homes look more attractive in estate agent’s photos. Yeovil Town replay their FA Cup 4th qualifying round against Leatherhead at Huish Park tonight.., and more
Friday 16th October

Parts of Somerset have been moved into the highest drought category to protect water supplies. A new group's been formed to try and save Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre from closure.Tesco in Yeovil is recruiting for temporary staff for the busy Christmas period... and more
Thursday 15th October

Hate crime recorded by Avon and Somerset Police has risen to a record high. The Communication Workers Union claims postal workers in Somerset are leaving their jobs due to a controversial new delivery system. Four new Deputy Lieutenants have been appointed to support Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant... and more
Wednesday 14th October

Somerset Council says it can’t confirm whether new parking machines being installed across the county will be able to accept cash. The number of cloned cars seized have more than double in the past 3-years with Avon and Somerset Police recovering one fraudulent vehicle every week. The skull of a 50,000 year old Woolly Rhino found on the Mendips Hills has gone on a display at a museum in Wells...and more
Tuesday 13th October

Plans have been passed to build 760 new homes on the southern edge of Yeovil. Somerset Council has admitted it doesn't know how many young people are not in education, employment or training. An event is being held in Crewkerne for people looking for information about health and social care... and more