News from across the Council

Read all the latest community news and updates from around the council

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Happy 1st Birthday to Chard Local Pantry

February 26, 2024

Community

Local pantries

Press Release

Chard Local Pantry celebrated their 1st Birthday on Saturday 24 February. Chard is part of the Somerset Local Pantry Network (SLPN), who buy and collect surplus food and make it available to members for a low weekly fee. Each local…

Severe Weather Emergency Provision ACTIVE in Somerset

February 23, 2024

Community

Press Release

Somerset Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) is active in some areas of Somerset. During this period of severe weather, the Council is seeking to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers to prevent harm or death due to the severe…

New way to access information on Health and Care Services in Somerset

February 22, 2024

Press Release

Public Health

Leading a healthy life in Somerset has just got a little easier – thanks to a new website launched by Somerset Council’s Public Health Team. The new site – www.healthysomerset.co.uk – is easy to use and features health and wellbeing…

Four at risk bus routes safeguarded after Council and Buses of Somerset reach agreement

February 21, 2024

Press Release

Travel

Somerset Council and First Bus South which operates Buses of Somerset have reached an agreement to ensure four routes in the county can continue to run for another year. The four services, 58, 54, 28, and 25 were at risk…

Somerset Libraries win praise in national review

February 21, 2024

Community

Press Release

Somerset Libraries are being cited as examples of excellence nationally in an independent review of English Public Libraries carried out by Baroness Sanderson. This review features six examples and case studies from Somerset, covering community libraries, health initiatives, digital innovation,…

Stark warning as Somerset Council sets balanced budget for 2024/25

February 20, 2024

Press Release

Somerset Council has voted through plans to set a balanced budget for the coming financial year, but received a stark warning of significant challenges in the years ahead.  Described as a “budget to avoid a S114 notice”, Members agreed to…

Seasonal summer concessions for Burnham on Sea beach

February 20, 2024

Community

Press Release

To make visitors and residents trips’ to Burnham-on-Sea, Brean and Berrow beaches and Apex Park even more enjoyable, Somerset Council arranges for various businesses to trade on or near the beach or park. Somerset Council is in the process of…

Photography exhibition reflecting Somerset’s floods 10 years on

February 20, 2024

Community

Press Release

Press release issued on behalf of the South West Heritage Trust. ‘Under the Surface’ is an exhibition of photographs by renowned Somerset-based photographer Matilda Temperley, reflecting on 10 years since the devastating floods of 2013-14. It is on display at…

Volunteer Opportunity: Public Health Nursing volunteer roles across Somerset

February 16, 2024

Press Release

Public Health

Family life and raising children can be both rewarding and challenging. Somerset Council’s Public Health nurses play a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing illness among families. To further enhance their support system, the Public Health Nursing teams…

A358 remains closed until this afternoon

February 15, 2024

Press Release

Motorists are being warned that the A358 near Hatch Beauchamp will remain closed in both directions until this afternoon (Thursday 15 Feb) for emergency repairs and resurfacing. The works follow a collision yesterday and motorists will need to find alternative…

Victoria Park Local Pantry celebrates first birthday on Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2024

Community

Local pantries

Press Release

Love is in the air at Victoria Park Local Pantry (VPLP) in Bridgwater as volunteers celebrate one year of serving the community on 14 February. is part of the Somerset Local Pantry Network (SLPN), who buy and collect surplus food…

Images show scale of Exmoor B3224 embankment rebuild project

February 14, 2024

Work by Somerset Council to repair a collapsed embankment next to the B3224 in Exmoor is progressing well. The latest images from Roundwaters between Exford and Wheddon Cross underline the scale of the task for the Council’s contractor Walters. Work…

Council seeks contractor for Bridgwater’s Dunball roundabout upgrade

February 12, 2024

Press Release

Travel

Plans to improve the busy Dunball roundabout in Bridgwater next to the M5 Junction 23 have moved a step closer as Somerset Council looks to appoint a contractor. The project will see an upgraded roundabout with traffic lights at this…

Somerset launches “Take the Pressure Off” campaign to combat high blood pressure and save lives

February 9, 2024

Health and Wellbeing

Press Release

Public Health

Over half of all strokes and heart attacks in Somerset are caused by high blood pressure. Known as the silent killer, high blood pressure is quick and simple to diagnose and to treat. So don’t delay – get tested now…

Executive seeks to protect key services with proposed budget

February 8, 2024

Press Release

Somerset Council’s Executive has agreed plans to bridge a £100m budget gap for 2024/25, welcoming steps that will see several key services protected. Councillors were, however, given a stark warning that the broken model for funding local government and the…

Spread the love through volunteering

February 8, 2024

Community

Press Release

February is just the month to spread some love through volunteering. Random Acts of Kindness Day comes on 17 February just three days after Valentine’s Day so why not spread some kindness this year by getting involved in volunteering? Somerset…

Council welcomes new ranger at Ham Hill thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund

February 8, 2024

Climate Emergency

Events

Press Release

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has generously funded Jasmine’s position for the next three years as part of their support for the “Uncovering Ham Hill’s Past for its Future” project. It aims to safeguard and restore key archaeological features, including…

Council Chair pays tribute to Somerset’s Aldermen

February 7, 2024

Press Release

Stalwarts of Somerset’s former councils were reunited at a ceremony in Taunton to mark their years of service to the community. Chair of Somerset Council, Cllr Mike Best, presented the Aldermen with certificates and medals at a ceremonial afternoon tea.…

Flood relief scheme opens for communities hit by Storm Henk

February 7, 2024

Climate Emergency

Press Release

Residents and businesses affected by January’s Storm Henk flooding may be eligible for Government flood relief money to help towards damage and flood resilience costs. More than 50 homes and businesses in Somerset suffered flooding during between 2 and 12…

Chard Enterprise Centre opens doors to new tenants

February 7, 2024

Press Release

There is exciting news for businesses in Chard and the surrounding area as the impressive Enterprise Centre is open and welcoming new tenants. The new centre, provided by Somerset Council, offers flexible office and light industrial workspace to support small…