News in Midsomer Norton and Radstock

Controversial parking charges planned for Midsomer Norton and Radstock have been scrapped to protect their "relatively weak" economies.

The new fees, which were only expected to raise £20,000 this year, were proposed as Bath and North East Somerset Council faces a "perfect storm" of reduced income and higher costs, but drew cross-party condemnation and were criticised by hundreds of residents.

Personal Injury - The Basics

Over the next four weeks Lauren Martin, from the Personal Injury team at Thatcher + Hallam Solicitors, will be sharing information about an area of law that is known as 'personal injury'.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris inspected a 'tree-making green factory' as he helped to dig four soil beds for one thousand saplings.

Mr Norris joined More Trees Bath and North East Somerset, a not-for-profit community group, working to protect and plant trees in the local area. Set up in 2008, they are run entirely by volunteers and have planted approximately 8,000 trees. He set about sieving the soil in the special animal-proofed area protected by six foot fences to ensure wildlife such as deer and badgers are not able to eat the young vulnerable juicy saplings.

One of the country's most well-known authors has visited Shoscombe Church School.

Martin Palmer is the Founding President and Chief Executive of FaithInvest, an international not-for-profit association of religious groups and faith-based institutional investors, which empowers faith groups to invest in line with their values.

An insurance expert has warned "complacency could cost South West homeowners dear" amidst fears of a surge in burglaries.

Amanda Harman, of insurance brokers Lycetts, has voiced concern that the return to work and increase in unoccupied homes during the day in the wake of eased lockdown restrictions could lead to a rise in break-ins.

A major developer's reputation has been tarnished after it broke a promise to buyers in Keynsham, a councillor has said.

Hal MacFie said Somerdale residents were told they would get a shop but instead Taylor Wimpey is set to build another four homes that "mean nothing to them".

Civic leaders are hoping to secure a £1.5million loan to breathe new life into Midsomer Norton.

If approved by the Secretary of State, the cash – plus grants that are being applied for and money has already been received – will be used to revamp the "iconic" town hall.

What's On in Midsomer Norton and the Somer Valley this weekend

Every Thursday we bring you our top picks of events in and around Midsomer happening over the coming weekend.

The Radstock MP writes:

This week, I wanted use my article to write about the proposal to introduce parking charges in Midsomer Norton and Radstock, something that will affect many constituents if it is implemented.

No private company will have any decision-making powers on how public money is spent following a shakeup of health services around Bath, leaders have confirmed.

Campaigners said it "looks bad and smells bad" for HCRG Care Group – the new name for Virgin Care – to have a place on the partnership board for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW).