BBC Somerset

Michelle RuminskiSomerset political reporterBBCThe 12-acre Saxonvale site has lain derelict for decades and has been the subject of several failed regeneration plansA social enterprise is to launch a community share offer to raise the money it needs to buy and redevelop a 12-acre town centre site.Mayday Saxonvale plans to build the UK's first "community-led masterplan" in Saxonvale, a derelict brownfield site in Frome, Somerset, and promises to reinvest profits back into the community. In October, Somerset Council withdrew…

Weather Watchers/InfocusCrowds gathered to see the Wolf supermoon above Glastonbury TorHere is our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media.Our pick of local website storiesPalm trees decorated with fairy lights in the garden of a house on Awkward Hill in Bibury are at the centre of a planning row. Some have described them as "out of place", according to Gloucestershire Live.A pub in Swindon has been…

BBCThe Slinky Bus in Somerset is an on-demand bus service across the countyA council says it is "determined" to protect an on-demand bus service which provides "a vital lifeline" for its passengers. The Slinky Bus, run by Somerset Council, allows people who do not live near a regular public transport route to ride into town or to the doctors by booking on an app or telephone.It uses existing bus stops and landmarks as pick-up points to connect people…

Jasmine Ketibuah-FoleyWest of EnglandAlicia CopeAlicia Cope said the charity's new scheme reminds her to check her mental healthA charity volunteer is urging people struggling with their mental health this winter to "reach out for that connection because facing it alone is so, so difficult".As part of their "season to breathe" social media campaign, Bath Mind is sharing tips and support to people in Bath and North East Somerset.A spokesperson for the charity said national data has revealed three…

Daniel MumbyLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceLocal Democracy Reporting Service Wansborough paper mill in Watchet, Somerset, has stood empty for 10 yearsA community housing company is hoping to transform the site of a former paper mill into affordable rental homes.Base for Life wants to build community-owned properties at Wansborough paper mill in Watchet, Somerset, which was in operation from 1652 to 2015.Previous plans from developers did not come to fruition but Base for Life is hoping to break the deadlock…

Leigh BoobyerWest of EnglandGetty ImagesThe land in Shepton Mallet forms part of the Duchy of Cornwall estateA bid by Prince William's estate for 620 homes and a primary school in Somerset is set to be approved.The Duchy of Cornwall, along with C G Fry and Son Ltd, want to develop the Mid Somerset Showground in Shepton Mallet and also build a care home and nursery.Somerset Council approved the application in September 2025 - but councillors must vote on…

Jasmine Ketibuah-FoleyWest of EnglandPaul BoxDates to add to your diary for a few festivals that are confirmed for 2026, near youWith a new year, comes a new social calendar and it's the perfect time to add those to your diary. While there will be no Glastonbury Festival year, here's a look at all the festivals that are happening near you in 2026.Hopefully the planning and excitement will help get you through some of the quieter, darker months of…