THERE was drama in Westminster this week after a Somerset MP accused council 'cowboys' of misusing Government Covid grants to 'balance its books' - a claim the council denies.

IT’S been a difficult start to 2021 as England has gone back into lockdown for the third time.

GP surgeries in England are to begin administering the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine as the UK faces a race to protect the population after the daily reported death toll topped 1,000.

Premium Netflix subscriptions will see a price hike of £24 per year from February.

The restrictions put significant limitations on what people can do - but what fines can be imposed if someone is caught flouting the rules?

FOUR people in Bridgwater are celebrating after winning £1,000 each thanks to their lucky postcode.

A SECTION of a busy main road was closed this afternoon (Wednesday) due to several fallen trees presenting "an immediate hazard".

THE rate of Covid-19 infection shows no sign of letting up in Somerset.

Boris Johnson warned it would take time to ease lockdown restrictions in England which could be in place until the end of March.

Harpers Farm Supplies launch their brand-new online store.

POLICE seized a total of 574 vehicles for various reasons during December - that's an average of more than 18 a day.

A COMMUNITY playing field has been kitted out with new equipment thanks to a grant from Viridor.

A COLLEGE in Somerset is appealing for volunteers to help with the coronavirus testing when students return after the latest lockdown.

RECENT cases dealt with by Taunton Magistrates' Courts include:

CLAP for Carers is set to return this Thursday - but this time, people across the UK are being invited to put their hands together for 'heroes' who have helped during the pandemic.

RESCUE services were left with a sinking feeling after a digger became stuck on a beach - while trying to save a stranded truck from the incoming tide.

FIRE crews tackled a blaze - that is still under investigation - at a property in Burnham-on-Sea yesterday (January 5).

A MAJOR Somerset company has announced a new chair.

Professor Chris Whitty said that one in 50 people being estimated to have coronavirus across the UK is “really quite a large number indeed”.

The move will affect all 1,300 restaurants across the UK with the fast food franchise issuing a brief statement on Wednesday January 6.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This will be a lifeline to parents and I welcome the BBC playing its part.”

The Department for Education said it recognises this is “an anxious time for students who have been working hard towards their exams”.

His warning comes as hospital admissions of people with Covid-19 have reached another record high, according to NHS England figures.

The Mega Millions Super Jackpot, which takes place every Tuesday and Friday, is on a roll and now stands as the biggest jackpot so far this year.

- PEOPLE across the UK are waking up to a third lockdown after Boris Johnson announced the closure of all schools last night. - The Prime Minister has ordered people to stay home after a huge rise in coronavirus infections. - Businesses, schools a...

THERE have been 644 positive coronavirus tests confirmed in Somerset in the last 48 hours.

GWR will continue to run a reduced service during lockdown.

MORE than 56,000 homes and business premises in Somerset will finally get superfast broadband by 2024 after new contracts were agreed.

ALL 16 of Somerset's recycling sites will be open on standard winter hours for essential use during lockdown.

ENGLAND has entered into a national lockdown for the third time.

A MAN fell from an overbridge on the M5 last night (January 4) and sadly died.

A CAR was badly damaged in a 'deliberate' fire near Bridgwater last night (January 4).

A CAR was damaged in a Somerset lane - prompting Environment Agency, police and highways teams to join firefighters at the scene.

A FIRE in an electrical fuse box brought three crews to a street in Wells.

HOW do you put on a pantomime in a pandemic?

MORRISONS will be hosting drive-through coronavirus vaccinations from next week. 

GLASTONBURY organiser Emily Eavis has dismissed speculation that the festival has been called off this year.

Boris Johnson has imposed a third national lockdown on England and shut schools to most students to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed by surging coronavirus infections.

A POLICE incident has closed the M5 between junction 24 (Bridgwater) and junction 26 (Wellington).

The new national lockdown will see schools closed and people told to stay home.

POLICE have found stolen jewellery - and are hoping to reunite the items with the owners.

PRIME minister Boris Johnson is to make a televised address tonight (January 4), setting out new emergency measures to control the spread of Covid-19 in England.

- Primary schools across England have reopened despite concerns over Covid-19 infection rates - A row has broken out after the National Education Union (NEU) said that it is unsafe for primary schools to reopen today . - Prime Minister Boris Johns...

DO you think Somerset schools should reopen today or remain closed?

SOME primary schools in Somerset are closed today (January 4) - and headteachers are unable to give a 'definitive' answer about reopening.

HEALTH Secretary Matt Hancock has refused to rule out another national lockdown amid concerns the new variant coronavirus is spreading out of control.

A BRIDGWATER carnival club and a disability charity have both received donations to help them plug the financial gap caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

FIVE lucky people in Burnham-on-Sea are celebrating after winning £1,000 each thanks to their postcode.

THE Queen’s 95th birthday will be celebrated on one of five new commemorative coins released this year, the Royal Mint has said.

The Prime Minister’s televised address is expected to take place at 8pm on Monday.