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Somerset Confidential

@somersetconf.bsky.social

524 followers 363 following 851 posts

The news channel for Somerset (the English one). Just news, analysis & investigations from journalists who know their patch. No AI. somersetconfidential.substack.com Also author, history & classical music buff Wests Tigers, Packers and Arsenal

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Burnt again - another #Chard apology Once upon a time, they could not stop commissioning reports about the bullying of their staff. Now they can’t stop apologising. We take another look at an old favourite: Chard Town Council. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/burnt-agai...

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Burnt again - another Chard apology

Once upon a time, they could not stop commissioning reports about the bullying of their staff. Now they can’t stop apologising. We take another look at an old favourite: Chard Town Council.

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

In case anyone wants to see it we now have the Channel 4 clip from yesterday that included Somerset Confidential www.channel4.com/news/the-fut...

The future of local news – is TikTok filling the gap?

The government says it wants to support local journalism - with a new fund offering grants to keep local outlets going, in a world filled with online influencers and misinformation.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Saxonvale: 3 unanswered questions The decision may have been taken to sell the #Saxonvale site in #Frome unconditionally, but questions are being asked about the integrity of the process. Somerset Confidential takes a closer look. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/saxonvale-... #SomersetCouncil

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Saxonvale: 3 unanswered questions

The decision may have been taken to sell the Saxonvale site in Frome unconditionally, but questions are being asked about the integrity of the process. Somerset Confidential takes a closer look.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Well folks if you follow Somerset Confidential you might like to know that we’ve been interviewed by @Channel4news.bsky.social who are doing a series on modern journalism and combatting news deserts. We are told it will be shown on 7pm Channel 4 news either tonight (1 Oct) or tomorrow (2 October)…

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

London: Not good enough. Somerset: all fine somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/london-not... As #Somerset Council considers the proposed #OrchardPortman development for inclusion in its Local Plan, Somerset Confidential® learns it has already been turned down in Whitehall. #Taunton

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Today on Classical Byways we are listening to Maria Teresa Agnesi classicalbyways.substack.com/p/maria-tere... Why not subscribe (it's Free) to hear this and music from other forgotten composers?

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Maria Teresa Agnesi

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Another pantomime, another villain Today the Executive of #Somerset Council met in #Frome for the fourth time to decide the fate of the #Saxonvale site. The outcome has left local people furious. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/another-ap...

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Another pantomime, another villain

Today the Executive of Somerset Council met in Frome for the fourth time to decide the fate of the Saxonvale site. The outcome has left local people furious.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/bower-lane... Bower Lane application called in In a rare twist, the government has called in a planning application in #Bridgwater where Somerset Council recommended approval. Does this mean Bower Lane may not now go ahead? #CPRESomerset #SirAshleyFox

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Bower Lane application called in

In a rare twist, the government has called in a planning application in Bridgwater where Somerset Council recommended approval. Does this mean Bower Lane may not now go ahead?

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Politics - A Dirty Business There’s a furore at #Bath & North East Somerset Council when two council officers step in to prevent the #Green Party from presenting a motion to a council meeting. But were they right to do so? somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/politics-a... #WessexWater

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Politics - A Dirty Business

There’s a furore at Bath & North East Somerset Council when two council officers step in to prevent the Green Party from presenting a motion to a council meeting. But were they right to do so?

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Coming home to roost The (old) Leveller started researching the Orchard Portman land sale in 2019. Now the rest of the press has suddenly taken an interest, it is too late. The land near Taunton seems destined to be developed. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/coming-hom...

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Coming home to roost

We started researching the Orchard Portman land sale in 2019. Now the rest of the press has suddenly taken an interest, it is too late. The land near Taunton seems destined to be developed.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Today on Classical Byways we are listening to French violinist Jean-Marie Leclair classicalbyways.substack.com/p/jean-marie...

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Jean-Marie Leclair

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

You wouldn’t start here Recent town planning for Somerset towns has been flawed by a failure to recognise that, by and large, we don’t buy stuff in shops. However that maybe about to change with #Yeovil leading the way. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/you-wouldn... #Taunton

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You wouldn’t start here

Recent town planning for Somerset towns has been flawed by a failure to recognise that, by and large, we don’t buy stuff in shops. However that maybe about to change with Yeovil leading the way.

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Today on Classical Byways we are listening to Sébastien de Brossard classicalbyways.substack.com/p/sebastien-... @Kit_Chapman @Guythegrape @SeanDromgoole @BarryHavenhand @susannahmh @bryn_thompson @LizzieBiggs1 Subscribe for free to listen to loads more like this...

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Sébastien de Brossard

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

First #Reform UK councillor elected in #Somerset After a number of defections, yesterday’s by-election in #NorthSomerset was the first time a Reform UK councillor has actually faced the electorate and won in Somerset. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/first-refo...

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First Reform UK councillor elected in Somerset

After a number of defections, yesterday’s by-election in North Somerset was the first time a Reform UK councillor has actually faced the electorate and won in Somerset.

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

And now a cover-up? As Yeovil’s Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) is closed down and a shiny new one opens in Dorchester Hospital, we ask why nobody is willing to release details of the evidence base behind the decision. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/and-now-a-... #NHSSomerset #YeovilHospital

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And now a cover-up?

As Yeovil’s Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) is closed down and a shiny new one opens in Dorchester Hospital, we ask why nobody is willing to release details of the evidence base behind the decision.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Housing isn’t viable As councillors debate the fate of development land on the eastern edge of Bridgwater, Somerset Council looks at how the planning system is failing to provide the houses and the infrastructure we need. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/housing-is... #Bridgwater

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Housing isn’t viable

As councillors debate the fate of development land on the eastern edge of Bridgwater, Somerset Council looks at how the planning system is failing to provide the houses and the infrastructure we need.

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Greens retain their seat in Frome West Somerset Confidential® looks at the result of yesterday’s by-election in #Frome West and what, if anything, we can learn from the last 4 by-elections for seats on #Somerset Council. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/greens-ret...

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Pie in the sky Do the planning deadlines for the proposed expansion of Bristol Airport mean anything? James Garrett looks at the contentious issues and wonders if we might be waiting a lot longer for an answer. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/pie-in-the...

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Four Quartets or 14 Industrial units? As a Planning Inquiry into plans to build 14 industrial units near East Coker closes, we ask if literary & cultural association of landscapes are taken seriously enough. Does it matter? somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/four-quart... #EastCoker #TSEliot

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Four Quartets or 14 Industrial units?

As a Planning Inquiry into plans to build 14 industrial units near East Coker, we ask if the literary and cultural association of landscapes are taken seriously enough. Does it matter? We say it does.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

This morning on Classical Byways we are listening to William Boyce. https:// classicalbyways.substack.com/p/william-boyce #ThreeChoirsFestival #WorcesterSymphony

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Seeing Through The Rain A new exhibition opens in #Ilminster next week, featuring the work of Ilminster pupils as they get to grips with the issue of flooding and imagine a more resilient future. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/seeing-thr... #SomersetriversAuthority #HerneView

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Seeing Through The Rain

A new exhibition opens in Ilminster next week, featuring the work of Ilminster pupils as they get to grips with the issue of flooding and imagine a more resilient future.

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

#Bath House Blues James Garrett goes to court to hear the outcome for one of the tenants evicted ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act by the #Christian charity the #Willats Trust. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/bath-house...

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Bath House Blues

James Garrett goes to court to hear the outcome for one of the tenants evicted ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act by the Christian charity the Willats Trust.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Everyone agrees. Just who is everyone? When a public body claims to have consulted and listened to people’s views, we have learned to be a little cautious. As with the latest example regarding parking charges in #Bath... somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/everyone-a... #Keynsham #parking

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Everyone agrees. Just who is everyone?

When a public body claims to have consulted and listened to people’s views, we have learned to be a little cautious. As with the latest example regarding parking charges in Bath...

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Frome West - Somerset Council by-election With less than a year to the second council election across the #Somerset Council area, a by-election in the #Frome West division might be a bellwether. But the election already has one surprise. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/frome-west...

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Frome West - Somerset Council by-election

With less than a year to the second council election across the Somerset Council area, a by-election in the Frome West division might be a bellwether. But the election already has one surprise.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

This should definitely win an award for the most inane, infantile branding of all time. Hope they didn’t pay an agency a fee to come up with “IT Fixio”!!

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Today on Classical Byways we are listening to Carlos Seixas 1704-1742 classicalbyways.substack.com/p/carlos-sei... #organ #Portugal

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

A long interval In March 2025 Somerset Council confirmed that the Octagon Theatre was not expected to reopen until “early 2027”. The latest estimate is 2028 or 2029. We take a look behind the scenes. #DCMS #SomersetCouncil #YeovilTownCouncil somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/a-long-int...

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A long interval

In March 2025 Somerset Council confirmed that the Octagon Theatre was not expected to reopen until “early 2027”. The latest estimate is 2028 or 2029. We take a look behind the scenes.

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/wanted-den... As a hosepipe ban is imposed on Somerset for the first time in 50 years, we trek back to 1976…..

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Wanted: Dennis Howell

As Somerset moves to a hosepipe ban imposed by Wessex Water, we take a look at a bit of history and a different solution to drought.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

And then there was one As two directors resign from the private allotment provider, Allota Futureland Ltd, James Garrett looks at their continuing problems with planning rules in #Somerset (and beyond) somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/and-then-t...

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And then there was one

As two directors resign from the private allotment provider, Allota Futureland Ltd, James Garrett looks at their continuing problems with planning rules in Somerset (and beyond)

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Did they really save money? The narrative in #Somerset Council's accounts claims they saved £53.55m this year. But why did they refuse to answer a question about it from a resident of #Taunton? Are the savings real? We ought to be told. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/did-they-r...

somersetconfidential.substack.com

Did they really save money?

The narrative in Somerset Council's accounts claims they saved £53.55m this year. But why did they refuse to answer a question about it from a resident? Are the savings real? We ought to be told.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Safe as asbestos.... As Government tells us to watch out for asbestos in children's toys, the #EnvironmentAgency confirms that asbestos is just fine if it's lying on a bund obstructing a public footpath.... somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/safe-as-as... #IsleBrewers #Somerset #SomersetCouncil

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Safe as asbestos....

As central Government tells us to watch out for asbestos in children's toys, the Environment Agency confirms that asbestos is just fine if it's lying around on a bund obstructing a public footpath....

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Today on Classical Byways we are listening to the medieval French composer, Antoine Brumel classicalbyways.substack.com/p/antoine-br...

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Dirty ol' river Reports of recent pollution levels in the River #Frome prompt James Garrett to take a closer look at where the pollution is coming from, without actually risking jumping into the water. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/dirty-ol-r... #Somerset #BathRugby

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Dirty ol' river

Reports of recent pollution levels in the River Frome prompt James Garrett to take a closer look at where the pollution is coming from, without actually risking jumping into the water.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

So long, and thanks for all the fish As the interim s151 officer leaves post, after just 3 months of 2026/27 Somerset Council is overspending its budget by £30m. Why is it that only now are serious financial controls being put in place? somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/so-long-an...

somersetconfidential.substack.com

So long, and thanks for all the fish

As the interim s151 officer leaves post, Somerset Council is once again massively overspending its budget. Why is it that only now are serious financial controls being put in place?

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

SHOCK defeat for council When new planning documents appeared for an application for #KeintonMandeville that had been decided a year ago, we got a little curious. Has #SomersetCouncil changed its mind? somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/shock-defe...

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SHOCK defeat for council

When new planning documents appeared for an application for Keinton Mandeville that had been decided a year ago, we got a little curious. Has the council changed its mind?

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

This weekend on Classical Byways we are listening to French composer Michel Lambert, 1610-1696 classicalbyways.substack.com/p/michel-lam... To hear and learn more about a large number of lesser known classical composers, why not subscribe – its free: classicalbyways.substack.com/subscribe

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

She said yes!! As a new s151 officer is appointed to Somerset Council, we take a look at some of the facts and figures that were not shared with councillors before they were asked to approve the decision somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/she-said-yes

somersetconfidential.substack.com

As a new s151 officer is appointed to Somerset Council, we take a look at some of the facts and figures that were not shared with councillors before they were asked to approve the decision

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

CPRE Somerset Photo Competition It is FREE to enter and the closing date is 30 September. Once again Somerset Confidential are promoting the competition and editor Andrew Lee will be on the judging panel. Two prizes of £100 each somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/cpre-somer...

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CPRE Somerset Photo Competition

For the last few years, Somerset Confidential® has promoted CPRE Somerset’s annual photo competition.

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

It is not a bus station – it is a transport hub Everything these days is a "hub". But as new transport hubs come to #Taunton, #Pill and #Langport, what does a hub actually bring? Is it a bus station by any other name? And is it value for money? somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/it-is-not-...

somersetconfidential.substack.com

It is not a bus station – it is a transport hub

Everything these days is a "hub". But as new transport hubs come to Taunton, Pill and Langport, what does a hub actually bring? Is it a bus station by any other name? And is it value for money?

Reposted by Somerset Confidential

Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Here it is. My manifesto for the 2026 Clacton By-Election. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Join me, clean up Clacton and let's make 13th August Bin Day! #VoteBinface #VoteyMcVoteface #YesWeTinCan

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Yet Another Chance Saloon Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service is costing taxpayers more than ever - but remains ineffective at treating those dependent on drink. James Garrett reports. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/yet-anothe... #SomersetCouncil

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Yet Another Chance Saloon

Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service is costing taxpayers more than ever - but remains ineffective at treating those dependent on drink. James Garrett reports.

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

This weekend on #ClassicalByways we are listening to Giacomo Facco classicalbyways.substack.com/p/giacomo-fa... Listen to more lesser known classical composers. Subscribe here: classicalbyways.substack.com/subscribe Its free!

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

#Somerset news round up To finish the week, we have a few pieces not long enough to form a full article, the output from an FoI request etc. You get the picture. News from #Frome, #Chard, #Bath and #Langport. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-n...

somersetconfidential.substack.com

Somerset news round up

To finish the week, we have a few pieces not long enough to form a full article, the output from an FoI request etc. You get the picture. News from Frome, Chard, Bath and Langport.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Account and accountability #Somerset Council has struggled in many areas with basic competence. There have been 500+ redundancies. But how many staff have been fired? We asked the question nobody else would ask.... somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/account-an...

somersetconfidential.substack.com

Account and accountability

Somerset Council has struggled in many areas with basic competence. There have been 500+ redundancies. But how many staff have been fired? We asked the question nobody else would ask....

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Banking on the Minister James Garrett discovers there are now questions about the finances of the company about to take over the running of NHS bank staff at #RUH in #Bath somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/banking-on... #Frome

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Banking on the Minister

James Garrett discovers there are now questions about the finances of the company about to take over the running of NHS bank staff at RUH in Bath

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Government runs out of patience with Somerset The Local Government Minister Alison McGovern has today issued a Best Value Notice to #SomersetCouncil. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/government...

somersetconfidential.substack.com

Government runs out of patience with Somerset

The Local Government Minister Alison McGovern has today issued a Best Value Notice to Somerset Council.

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Red faces over merger cock up Council legal officers have to admit to an ignorance of the law as the proposed merger of Huish Episcopi and Langport is deemed to be out of time. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/red-faces-...

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Red faces over merger cock up

Council legal officers have to admit to an ignorance of the law as the proposed merger of Huish Episcopi and Langport is deemed to be out of time.

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Finders Keepers The Chew Valley Hoard has inspired an interest in history and culture in the area it was discovered. James Garrett takes a closer look at some of the questions it has raised. somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/finders-ke...

somersetconfidential.substack.com

Finders Keepers

The Chew Valley Hoard has inspired an interest in history and culture in the area it was discovered. James Garrett takes a closer look at some of the questions it has raised.

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Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Pull the other one Is dentistry in Somerset improving, or is the service being provided so bad as to merit being described as an "outlier". Opinions differ and Somerset Confidential® attempts to referee. #Bridgwater #AshleyFox #NHSSomerset #dentistry somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/pull-the-o...

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Pull the other one....

Is dentistry in Somerset improving, or is the performance being provided so bad as to be described as an "outlier". Opinions differ and Somerset Confidential® attempts to referee.....

Somerset Confidential @somersetconf.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

It will be a plan, but not necessarily a local one Everyone is being asked for their views to help create a new #LocalPlan for #Somerset. But what will emerge in reality? Will it reflect local views? somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/it-will-be... #Somerset Council

somersetconfidential.substack.com

It will be a plan, but not necessarily a local one

Everyone is being asked for their views to help create a new Local Plan for Somerset. But what will emerge in reality? Will it reflect local views? Will your responses really shape policy?

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