News from across the Council

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

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New study considers impacts of nuclear and major infrastructure projects

November 29, 2024

Press Release

A new study has been published considering the impact of the construction of the nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C. The building of Hinkley Point C began in March 2017, with work currently nearing peak construction. EDF Energy estimates the…

Lord-Lieutenant to host community carol service

November 29, 2024

Press Release

The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, will host a community carol service at Taunton Minster as part of the Royal Foundation Christmas celebrations. The Together at Christmas service will take place on Friday 6 December and will reflect the carol…

Devon and Somerset businesses inspected to ensure that fireworks are being stored safely

November 29, 2024

Press Release

49 businesses and shops across Devon and Somerset were recently inspected to ensure they were following firework safety regulations – and most are following the rules. However, 9 out of the 49 businesses were found not be compliant with legal…

Revised Expression of Interest in devolution by Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire Councils

November 29, 2024

Press Release

Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire Councils have revised their Expression of Interest in devolution, committing to a Mayoral Combined Authority for the Heart of Wessex region. In a joint statement, the leaders of Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire Councils, Cllr Nick Ireland,…

Yeovil Refresh: Glovers Walk takes next step forward

November 28, 2024

Community

Press Release

Behind the scenes demolition work is underway at Glovers Walk as the key part of the Yeovil Refresh takes a big step forward. Somerset Council’s contractors are disconnecting utilities and removing hazardous materials like asbestos from the vacant buildings. The…

Yeovil Crematorium donates to Josephine’s Star in support of bereaved families

November 27, 2024

Community

Press Release

Yeovil Crematorium has, once again, donated funds through its recycled metals scheme, with Somerset based Josephine’s Star selected to receive £11,600. The Recycling of Metals Scheme is a not-for-profit scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM).…

Somerset Council highlights Fuel Poverty Awareness Day

November 27, 2024

Climate Emergency

Health and Wellbeing

Press Release

Somerset Council is shining a spotlight on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, which takes place on 27 November, to highlight the challenges faced by households struggling to afford adequate heating. Fuel poverty affects many families in Somerset, particularly during the colder months,…

Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve bags £1,500 from Tesco

November 26, 2024

Climate Emergency

Community

Press Release

An innovative mobile classroom is on the way for Somerset Council’s Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve thanks to a £1,500 grant from the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme. The grant, applied for by the Chard Reservoir Volunteer Group and chosen by…

Council teams tackle Storm Bert damage across the county

November 25, 2024

Press Release

Travel

Somerset Council’s highways crews worked throughout the weekend and today (Monday 25 November) after dozens of roads were flooded and over 200 trees were downed. Teams from the Council’s contractor Kier dealt with 644 reports of incidents on the roads…

Work complete on green transformation for Wellington Sports Centre

November 25, 2024

Climate Emergency

Community

Press Release

A major milestone has been reached as Wellington Sports Centre announces the official completion of its £3.6million decarbonisation and refurbishment project. The centre, which is operated by Everyone Active in partnership with Somerset Council, has had a major overhaul of…

Reviving the rails: Somerset’s bold Plan to restore historic train services

November 25, 2024

Press Release

Travel

Somerset Council and West Somerset Railway PLC have jointly submitted a Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) to the Government to restore scheduled train services between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard. In what would be a significant step towards boosting local transport…

Online and phone payments out of action for upgrade

November 25, 2024

Community

Press Release

Somerset Council’s improved 24-hour payment system will be upgraded this week. The upgrade means that Somerset Council’s current phone and online payment systems will be unavailable from Tuesday 26 November to Wednesday 4 December. While the phone and online systems…

Somerset Council’s tree planting drive marks National Tree Week

November 22, 2024

Climate Emergency

Community

Press Release

As part of its ongoing commitment to the Somerset Tree Strategy,  the Council is asking people to use the awareness week as a chance to think about trees and take action to enhance our local environment and strengthen community bonds.…

Somerset Council by election results

November 22, 2024

Press Release

The result of the by election held on 21 November 2024 for the vacant seat in the 2-seat Blackmoor Vale division on Somerset Council is as follows: Hayward Burt (Conservative) – 1,120 (elected); Howard Ellard (Liberal Democrat) – 714; Peter…

Council running free event to help people plan their future care and support

November 22, 2024

Adults

Community

Events

Press Release

Social Care

Somerset Council is running a free event aimed at providing valuable information and support to individuals and families navigating the complexities of care and support planning. The event will take place on Monday 25 November at A Block, County Hall,…

Somerset Council lights up blue for World Children’s Day

November 21, 2024

Children and Families

Press Release

County Hall in Taunton joined landmarks around the world in lighting up blue to commemorate World Children’s Day. On 20 November, the Somerset Council building joined schools and other buildings, including the Eiffel Tower and Chichen Itza, celebrating the global day…

Somerset stands together to end violence against women and girls

November 21, 2024

Health and Wellbeing

Press Release

Public Health

This White Ribbon Day, on 25 November, Somerset Council joins the international campaign to end violence against women and girls. Recognised globally, White Ribbon Day focuses on engaging men and boys to take a stand against gender-based violence, creating a…

Proposed changes to Council Tax Reduction scheme

November 21, 2024

Press Release

Somerset Council is bringing forward proposals which protect its 100% Council Tax discount for working age residents on the lowest incomes, while also making savings to help balance its budget for next year. In preparation for the creation of Somerset…

Somerset Council hosts drop-in events for 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence

November 21, 2024

Community

Events

Health and Wellbeing

Press Release

Public Health

Somerset Council’s domestic abuse service, facilitated by the YOU Trust, is proud to support the annual 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign running from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to…

New phase of Blood Pressure Campaign drives forward with Hatch Green Coaches

November 20, 2024

Press Release

Public Health

An independently owned transport company based in Somerset has partnered with Somerset Council and NHS Somerset as part of the ‘Take the Pressure off’ campaign. Hatch Green Coaches has become the first workplace in the county to host on-site blood…