somerset

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…

Daniel MumbyLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceThe site near Wells offers wide views over the Somerset LevelsA nature reserve is being created as part of a key walking and cycling route across rural Somerset.Volunteers working on Hollybrook reserve are fencing off a piece of land next to the Strawberry Line, which runs from Yatton railway station to Shepton Mallet.The team plans to create a picnic area at the entrance to the nature reserve near Wells, while a…

BBCGWR is expected to be brought back into public ownership in 2026It is set to be a year of change for train services in the West of England.From Great Western Railway (GWR) returning to public ownership to work beginning on the long-awaited Portishead line - what other developments could be in store?We look at what what you can expect to see in the next 12 months.Public ownership for GWRHeidi Alexander said the Labour government was addressing overcrowding on…

Getty ImagesBleeding radiators can released trapped air and allow heat to circulate properlyEvery winter brings a drop in temperatures and rising concerns about heating costs. With the energy price cap set to increase in January, we have gathered together some practical advice to help you keep warm and cut costs over the colder months.This month, millions of households will see a slight rise in their energy bills, as the energy regulator Ofgem increases the price cap by 0.2%.The…

Getty ImagesFour people were taken to hospital and have since been dischargedA man has been arrested after four people were taken to hospital following an alleged spiking incident at a New Year's Eve event.Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called by paramedics who were treating several people who started feeling unwell at the event on the High Street in Glastonbury.Officers arrested a man at the scene on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and he remains in…

Daniel MumbyLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceGoogleCouncillor Philip Ham described the site as "one of the best fields in Somerset"Plans to build 180 homes on a field described by one councillor as "one of the best" in Somerset have been approved by the council.Persimmon Homes Wessex applied for outline permission to build on the eastern side of the A367 Fosseway South in Midsomer Norton in 2022 but the plans were refused due to "poor access to services" and over-development concerns.The…