We've made it to the end of another year here in Somerset - and what a year it's been. In a year which has seen on either side of the Atlantic, the Southport riots and farmers blockading Westminster, it's easy to view as a quiet, old-fashioned backwater where nothing of significance ever happens. Those of us who are blessed to live here, of course, know that nothing could be further from the truth - and 2024 has seen its fair share of big decisions, scandals and major upheavals right here on our doorstep.
So before as we enter 2025 - whether stepping in with our best foot forward, or being dragged over the threshold kicking and screaming - here's a reminder of some of the big decisions that have happened in Somerset over the last 12 months...
January began on a sad note with , who had represented the town at a parish, district, county and unitary level across numerous political parties. Later the same month, - one of many major sites held up by the ongoing phosphates crisis - was finally granted outline permission after years of uncertainty. Over in , the Cross Rifles roundabout upgrades were , and in unpopular changes to the hospital's stroke services were - with .
February was dominated by 's budget proposals, which saw frantic discussions with town and parish councils about taking on local services in the face of an almighty budget gap. Thanks to a combination of devolution deals, council tax rises, new savings and the sale of "non-operational assets", . Its decisions cont.
