Wednesday 26th March

Wednesday, 26 March 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The remains of a Roman settlement have been discovered near Langport. Chard Town Council has issued a formal apology over some of its recent conduct. Visitors to Ham Hill Country Park are being asked to tread carefully and keep pets on leads to protect breeding skylarks nesting at ground-level...and more

The remains of a Roman settlement have been discovered near Langport. Archaeologists have been digging at the site since 2023 and say they’ve unearthed the remains, which are believed to be either a Roman villa, farmstead, or outbuilding. An open day is planned for people to visit the site later in the year.

Chard Town Council has issued a formal apology over some of its recent conduct. A report into allegations of bullying and the resignations of a high number of staff said the Council was ‘dysfunctional’ and ‘lacking a strategic vision’. In issuing their apology, Chard Town Council says no further action will be taken against any individuals or groups, and the report’s recommendations will be implemented at a future council meeting.

Visitors to Ham Hill Country Park are being asked to tread carefully and keep pets on leads to protect breeding skylarks. Skylarks, which make their nests in dense grass at ground level, are at risk of being disturbed by human activity, including walking and recreational activities, that can damage nests, disturb chicks, and disrupt breeding. Visitors are asked to keep to designated footpaths and avoid protected areas.

The group which represents bus users in Somerset has welcomed the news that the county is getting six million pounds of government funding towards its bus services. Somerset Council will use the money to improve services in Yeovil and Bridgwater and protect rural services across the Mendips. Improvements to transport hubs will also be made.

Concern has been raised about the dangers to wildlife of used syringes found near Chard Reservoir. Somerset Council was told about the find by a member of the public who spotted a pile of used needles close to Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve. They said they were worried the needles might impact the local wildlife, especially the swans who live on the Chard Reservoir. Somerset Council say arrangements are being made to remove the needles.

A consultation has been launched linked to dog control in South Somerset. Somerset Council is proposing to extend two existing orders; the first relates to a dog exclusion zone in part of the Ninesprings Park and the second covers dog fouling and keeping dogs on leads in public places across the former South Somerset District Council area. The Public Space Protection Orders are due to expire, and the Council is seeking the public’s views on extending the orders for a further three years. The consultation runs until 5 May 2025 and can be accessed via the Somerset Council website.

More from News

Friday 28th March

First Bus has invested £12 million in buying 26 electric buses to run on routes in Somerset. Approval has been given to build 18 new homes in South Petherton. Somerset’s recycling sites, including Yeovil, will revert to their spring opening times next week. This year’s Somerset Drama Festival has been won by Ilminster Entertainments Society...and more.
Thursday 27th March

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has criticised the Chancellor for not reforming business rates in her Spring Statement. Fifteen schools in Somerset are to be equipped with new facilities for children with special educational needs. A charity in Yeovil is appealing for donations of new underwear to give to people who are homeless...and more
Tuesday 25th March

A teenage boy has been arrested following an incident in Castle Cary. Somerset Council has announced “wide-ranging improvements” to bus services. Work has started upgrading a doctor’s surgery in Chard. The finalists have been announced for this year’s Somerset Business Awards...and more
Monday 24th March

Numatic International Ltd in Chard has been given planning permission to build a giant solar farm off the A30 Crewkerne Road. The RSPCA says incidents of dropped litter impacting the lives of animals in Somerset is a growing problem. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is marking 25 years of saving lives across the two counties...and more
Friday 21st March

Leonardo in Yeovil is developing a new type of self-flying helicopter. A report into the creation of Somerset Council has found the case for it to be 'weak' and marked by 'poor decision making'. The village of Montecute has been told that it may have one of the country's oldest working clocks...and more.
Thursday 20th March

There has been a further delay to reopening Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre. Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident in Wincanton in which a motorcyclist was killed. A debt advice charity in Somerset is recruiting more volunteers to help with an expected increase in people going into debt...and more.
Wednesday 19th March

A new report says survival rates from ovarian cancer in Somerset are among the best in England. Farmers say it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed due to criminal gangs using farmland for illegal hare coursing. A Victorian chemist shop, originally situated on the High Street in South Petherton, is being moved to a theme park in County Durham...and more
Tuesday 18th March

Police are appealing for witnesses to a ‘hit and run’ in Henstridge in which an 8-year-old boy was knocked off his scooter. People in Somerset wanting to hold street parties to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day won't have to pay for a road closure. Plans have been submitted to open a new farm shop in Sherborne...and more