Wednesday 7th October

Wednesday, 7 October 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after it closes at the end of the month. A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week... and more

Somerset Council says it's started talks about what do with the Brewhouse theatre in Taunton after the charity that runs it confirmed it will cease operations at the end of the month. Taunton Theatre Association announced the Brewhouse would close temporarily late last month due to a lack of funds. But despite pledges of financial support, the charity says it doesn't have time to implement a survival plan and the theatre will close permanently on Saturday, October 31st.

A Chard man has been sentenced for keeping multiple different dogs despite being banned from doing so. Appearing before local magistrates, Jack Edwards, aged 39, of Bramble Mews, pleaded guilty to breaching a disqualification order after being found in control of a German Shepherd-type dog, a Spaniel Labrador-style dog, a Mastiff-style dog, a Husky-type dog, and a brown and black Collie-type dog found at his Chard address. Edwards was fined £120 and told to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

The government has approved Somerset Council’s SEND Reform Plan. The decision unlocks significant investment to strengthen support and improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities across the county. It will support earlier help, greater inclusion in mainstream education, and mean more joined-up services for children, young people and their families.

Forty NHS van drivers based in Bridgwater who supply hospitals in Somerset with essential medical equipment will walk out on strike next week in a dispute over a pay. They are among 200 GXO-employed drivers across England who have voted to take industrial action after rejecting a four per cent pay offer. The drivers transport a range of essential medical equipment, including bandages, dressings, gowns, gloves and needles. The NHS says plans are in place to minimise disruption caused by the industrial action.

National Grid Distribution has launched a £500,000 winter funding programme to help tackle fuel poverty. Community organisations in Somerset can apply for grants to provide energy-saving advice, support isolated residents, and distribute items such as blankets and draught excluders.

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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
Monday 12th October

Two people were arrested on suspicion of racially motivated public order offences during an anti-immigration protest held in Yeovil at the weekend. Women in Somerset now have access to two brand new mobile breast screening units. A drought permit has been approved for Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor which is currently only 18% full...and more
Friday 9th October

A controversial new one-way traffic system in Bridgwater is to be changed back to a 2-way system. Plans to cut support funding to young carers in Somerset have been scrapped. A new website has been launched in Chard bringing together everything residents and visitors need to know about the town...and more
Thursday 8th October

Somerset Council is to press ahead with increases to parking charges at its car parks. Police say increasing numbers of young people in Somerset are riding e-scooters illegally. Wells market has received national recognition...and more
Tuesday 6th October

Prince William is visiting Ilminster today, where he will launch ‘Ready Together’, a new initiative helping communities prepare for emergencies. Barwick and Stoford Primary School near Yeovil says it's confident of emerging stronger after being placed in special measures by Ofsted. Vapes and weight-loss jabs are putting workers at recycling centres in Somerset at risk after being wrongly thrown away...and more
Monday 5th October

Ilminster is gearing up for a Royal visit by Prince William tomorrow. Plans have been approved to convert the former Battens Solicitors building on Princes Street in Yeovil into 21 flats. A 'Just Giving' page has opened for making donations towards Ilminster Carnival which, on Saturday, had to be cancelled midway through due to a gas leak...and more
Friday 2nd October

An investigation's underway after two people died in a collision near Taunton. A Somerset-based charity has warned of the risks of fuel poverty this winter. A Somerset healthcare service has been recognised with a national award.... and more.