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Somerset Council moving into recovery phase after approving budget
Leader Bill Revans says Somerset Council is moving from financial emergency into a financial recovery phase as Councillors met to approve its budget for 2026/27.
Speaking at today’s meeting of Full Council, Cllr Revans highlighted comments from several independent reports as clear signs the Council had a grip on its budget and is on the right track.
‘Sky is the limit’ for Somerset as helicopter manufacturer lands £1 billion contract
The award of a major contract to build 23 New Medium Helicopters (NMH) to Leonardo in Yeovil has been welcomed by Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, Councillor Mike Rigby.
The £1 billion contract for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) looks set to create hundreds more jobs at the site, as well as safeguarding 3,300 existing jobs and around 12,000 in the wider supply chain across the UK.
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Council takes action to cordon off section of park after suspected ordnance is found
Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police have cordoned off a section of Apex Park in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge after some small pieces of suspected unexploded ordnance were discovered during construction works.
The site is on the east side of the lake. Police attended after the contractor reported finding what appear to be mortar shells and a grenade, most likely dating from World War II.
Work to start on Taunton Transport Hub
Somerset Council and partners are delivering a £3.2 million Transport Hub on the old bus station site in Taunton and work starts next week.
The new Government-funded facility will serve as a vital hub for bus services serving Taunton and across the county. The project is a joint initiative between Somerset Council and Taunton Town Council.
Blockbusting series brings Sherlock to Shepton
Somerset is back in the TV spotlight this week with Shepton Mallet Prison starring in a major new series.
The iconic penitentiary doubles as London’s Newgate Prison in the opening scenes of Guy Ritche’s highly anticipated new series, Young Sherlock, released worldwide on 4 March, on Prime Video.
Somerset pubs take pride of place in feel-good feature film
2 historic Somerset pubs take pride of place in a feel-good film released at cinemas today (Friday 6 March).
The George Inn and The Fleur de Lys in Norton St Philip provide key locations for Mother’s Pride which stars comedy stalwart Martin Clunes and James Buckley, best known as Jay in The Inbetweeners.
Filmed in October 2024 with the help of Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office, Mother’s Pride comes from the creators of Fisherman’s Friends and is billed as a witty, distinctly British story of ‘resilience, reconciliation and real ale’.
Local stitching group gift handmade blankets to children in care
A local community group has kindly donated 20 hand‑sewn blankets to Somerset Council’s children in care.
The Polden Stitchers create patchwork quilted blankets for local good causes. The group has been running for more than 2 decades and now has 15 members who meet weekly to work on their own projects and occasionally take on a joint one.
Consultations
Residents invited to shape the future of health and wellbeing in Somerset
People across Somerset are being encouraged to share their views on health and wellbeing priorities as part of a new survey launched by Somerset Council’s Public Health team.
The Somerset Health and Wellbeing Survey, which opened Monday 2 March and runs until Monday 27 April, gives residents the opportunity to highlight what matters most to them, helping the council focus future work on the issues that have the greatest impact on local communities. Everyone who takes part will be entered into a draw to win a £50 love to shop voucher.