somerset

BBCThe pharmacy building has sat empty ever since Jhoots' evictionA community centre says it can no longer afford to run an apprenticeship scheme for residents as it is owed thousands of pounds by pharmacy chain Jhoots. Victoria Park Community Centre in Bridgwater, Somerset, rented one of its buildings to Jhoots last year, but evicted the company after it failed to pay several months' rent.It comes with Jhoots already facing allegations of not paying staff at some pharmacies and…

AlamyA major legal claim has been filed in the UK against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, accusing the firm of knowingly selling baby powder contaminated with asbestos.The claim involves 3,000 people and focuses on internal memos and scientific reports, which have been seen by the BBC. The lawsuit - brought by KP Law - alleges that Johnson & Johnson (J&J) was aware as early as the 1960s that its mineral-based talcum powder contained fibrous forms of talc, as…

Paul BarltropWest of England political editorBBCNorth Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said council tax rates could increaseCouncil tax could rise by as much as 20% as North Somerset Council juggles the increasing cost of social services.The authority currently has one of the region's lowest council tax rates, but officials warned its spending could go £25m over budget next year due to the fact its two biggest areas of spending are looking after elderly and disabled adults and children's…

A secondary school plans to become a phone-free space after pupils were able to view disturbing videos online.Will Penny, head teacher of Backwell School in Somerset, said he was considering spending £20,000 on magnetic locking pouches so that pupils are not tempted to use their phone during the day.The move comes as a study by the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol found up to 25 per cent of pupils surveyed had a wide range…

Eben Morrish-CroadSomersetAndraz CorelAndrew Feather from Bath was the only rider out of 1,189 cyclists to beat PogačarA 40-year-old cyclist has beaten the four-time Tour de France winner and current world champion in an uphill charity race.Andrew Feather from Bath was the only rider out of 1,189 to beat Tadej Pogačar in a 15km climb in his home country of Slovenia.All the amateur riders were given a six-minute head start by Pogačar, who some commentators believe is the greatest…

Bulldog Film DistributionUnmoored was set on Exmoor and used local crews to film itFilms and television productions, including The Salt Path and 28 Years Later, have helped boost Somerset's economy with millions of pounds worth of investment. Companies who chose Somerset as the base for their work have contributed around £4.2m to the economy according to the local council. Councillor Mike Rigby, who is the lead for economic development, said the success is down to Somerset's various coastal,…

Charlie TaylorBBC Radio Somerset andChris LockyerSomersetBBCEvery autumn, processions of illuminated carts pass through ChardOrganisers of a popular carnival have agreed to discuss how to make the event more accessible with two parents of children with additional needs.Every autumn, processions of illuminated carts pass through Chard as part of the South Somerset Carnival Circuit. The events are often noisy and bright, meaning those with sensory processing disorders can find the experience overwhelming.Belinda and Livvy, from Chard, are calling for…