Vassos Kimitri, a beloved figure in Weston-super-Mare, passed away peacefully at age 85 on January 10, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, family devotion, and community spirit. Originally from Cyprus, he arrived in England in 1959 and built a thriving business empire in the seaside town over six decades. Tributes from family, friends, … Leer más
Somerset Council has triggered a stark red debt warning this month, signaling severe financial distress that threatens essential services. Auditors highlighted critical failures in governance and spending controls, particularly around major projects, amid a massive budget gap. Residents face potential council tax hikes, service cuts, and asset sales, with key decisions looming by Thursday’s council … Leer más
Somerset Council has earned top marks for road conditions in the latest Department for Transport ratings released this month. Despite an overall amber status due to spending critiques, its A, B, C, and unclassified roads rank among the best nationally. This recognition highlights effective maintenance strategies amid a national pothole crisis. Overview of Government Rankings … Leer más
Reform UK continues its rapid expansion in local politics with the high-profile defection of Somerset Councillor John Cook-Woodman. This move marks a significant blow to the Conservatives and underscores the growing appeal of Nigel Farage’s party among disillusioned traditional voters. As the political landscape shifts ahead of future elections, this event highlights broader trends in … Leer más
Burnham-on-Sea faces significant traffic disruptions as Somerset Council launches major roadworks on Love Lane to replace 30-year-old traffic lights at a key pedestrian crossing. Starting January 12 and running through February 20, the nightly closures from 6pm to 6am aim to upgrade safety near the Tesco entrance but have sparked commuter frustration over peak-hour delays. … Leer más
Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 falls on January 27, marking the 81st anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau’s liberation and remembering victims of the Holocaust alongside later genocides like Srebrenica. In Somerset, Taunton Library serves as a central hub for community events under the national theme «Bridging Generations,» fostering intergenerational dialogue on tolerance and human rights. These gatherings emphasize … Leer más
Somerset internal drainage boards manage critical flood defenses across low-lying areas vulnerable to tidal surges and heavy rainfall. The 2026 budget introduces targeted funding increases focused on maintenance dredging, pumping station upgrades, and silt management to prevent repeats of past devastating floods. Local authorities and farmers face higher levies, but these investments promise enhanced resilience … Leer más
Leonardo Helicopters’ Yeovil facility in Somerset, the United Kingdom’s last military helicopter manufacturing plant, teeters on the brink of closure in early 2026 without a timely Ministry of Defence contract. Employing around three thousand skilled workers, the site warns of shutdown by March’s end absent the New Medium Helicopter programme award, sparking urgent calls for … Leer más
The Somerset Levels Dredging Programme continues its vital role in 2026, bolstering flood defenses across this low-lying region battered by winter deluges. Coordinated by the Somerset Rivers Authority, the initiative deploys water injection dredging on key rivers like the Parrett, alongside embankment raises and pumping enhancements, to slash flood risks for thousands of homes and … Leer más
A Conservative councillor in Glastonbury, Somerset, faces suspension from her party amid allegations of membership on a white supremacist dating site, sparking outrage and calls for her resignation. Lillith Osborn, representing St John’s Ward on Glastonbury Town Council since 2022, appeared in a leaked database from WhiteDate, a now-defunct platform catering exclusively to white supremacists. … Leer más