Michelle Ruminski
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Articles by Michelle Ruminski
Vet hopeful TB will be eradicated by 2038
A cattle vet who has studied bovine tuberculosis (TB) for more than two decades says the government's new strategy aimed at eradicating the disease in England by 2038 is "amazing news". The new multi-faceted approach includes developing vaccines for cattle and badgers, mandatory blood tests, more robust wildlife surveillance and more test choice. The controversial culling of badgers to prevent the spread of TB to cattle was ended by the government last year.
Housing estate's roads 'still unfinished' years on
People living on a new build estate say they are fed up after years of chasing the developer to finish the roads. The residents in the Old Cattle Market site in Bridgwater, Somerset, claim it has been at least three years since the last person moved in but aspects including drainage, landscaping and roads remain unfinished. Resident Charlie Gilbert said it is "disgusting" they have had to wait so long for the developer Keepmoat to finish the estate.
'Urgent review needed' amid month-long delivery delays
Hundreds of people have complained as letter deliveries in one town are taking up to four weeks to arrive. People in Bridgwater, Somerset, have been missing key appointments or waiting weeks for bank cards to arrive, with the town's MP calling for Ofcom to urgently review whether Royal Mail's "chronically understaffed" team is a breach of its licence. Resident Jayne Mogg organised a public meeting about the issue on Saturday and said people are very frustrated.
'Leaky maternity unit needs to be replaced sooner'
A petition is calling on the government to fast-track the building of a new maternity and children's unit at Musgrove Park Hospital. It comes after a report on UK maternity services named the Taunton estate the "most challenging" in the country, with leaking roofs and an antenatal ward propped up by metal poles.
Council to spend £7m improving children's services
Follow Council to spend £7m improving children's services Michelle Ruminski - Somerset Politics Reporter Thu, August 6, 2026 at 9:25 AM EDT Bill Revans, the leader of Somerset Council, said the changes are critical to the council's future [BBC] A council's ruling executive has agreed to spend £7m on a programme it says will improve its children's services. The My World, My Tomorrow plan, approved by Somerset Council, is part of a much wider programme to make savings of £135m by March 2030.
'Volatile and dangerous' children's home closed
A children's home has been closed after Ofsted inspectors found "serious and widespread failures" putting children at "significant risk of harm" - including an allegation a member of staff hit a child. Somerset Council said it was also closing a second home in the £80m award-winning Homes and Horizons project, which saw the council buy eight family-sized homes for the "most vulnerable" children in its care.
Homecare workers warn fuel costs are unsustainable
Homecare worker Alexandra Snow says it costs nearly £20 more to fill her petrol tank since the war with Iran began [Home Instead] The homecare sector is calling on the government to support care workers who are struggling with rising fuel prices triggered by the US-Israel war with Iran.
Schools now offering support to 235 young carers
Jett, 10, who cares for his younger brother, says speaking to school staff helps [BBC] Young carers are being offered emotional and academic support at schools thanks to a charity-run programme. About 235 pupils across Somerset have been identified as carers with the help of the Young Carers in Schools project over the last two years. School leaders say the scheme has boosted the youngsters' attendance and wellbeing. Jett, 10, cares for his brother, who has a life-limiting brain disorder.
Businesses 'dismayed' at training funding cut
David Crew said the government is blocking economic prosperity in Somerset [BBC] A campaign has been launched to encourage the government to drop plans to scale back funding for Skills Bootcamps from £4.7m to £1.5m next year.
Residents of flats welcome recycling changes
Now Councils across north-east England are recycling less household waste than they did 10 years ago, official data has revealed. The total amount of household waste sent for recycling by the region's 12 councils fell 18% from 429,653 tonnes during the 2014-15 financial year to 352,169 tonnes in 2023-24. …
£15m plans to revamp and reopen theatre approved
A much-loved theatre that has been closed for nearly three years has been granted planning permission for a £15m redevelopment. Yeovil's Octagon Theatre has been shut since May 2023 after a previous larger-scale refurbishment was abandoned due to rising costs. Somerset Council's planning committee approved the scheme which includes making changes to the foyer and cafe, creating a new studio space and extending the backstage area.
Concern over plans for 24-hour adult gaming centre
Michelle Ruminski - Somerset political reporter; Kelly Withers - Somerset Plans to turn an empty shop into a 24-hour adult gaming centre have been criticised by a town council. Godden Gaming Organisation has submitted an application to convert the former WH Smith store in Bridgwater, Somerset into a centre with slot machines.
Concern over plans for 24-hour adult gaming centre
The 24-hour slot machine centre could be based in an empty shop in the town centre [BBC] Plans to turn an empty shop into a 24-hour adult gaming centre have been criticised by a town council. Godden Gaming Organisation has submitted an application to convert the former WH Smith store in Bridgwater, Somerset into a centre with slot machines.
'It's such a faff to use a train in my wheelchair'
A wheelchair user has welcomed news that her local station could become more accessible. Jane Wickenden said arrangements at Castle Cary station in Somerset are a "faff" and involve relying on staff to supervise her crossing the tracks. The government says almost £280m in funding means passengers at some UK stations will be able to travel more independently and safely due to its step-free access scheme - with Castle Cary and Yeovil Junction also progressing to a detailed design stage.
Tidal barrier to be 10m shorter to save money
An architect's illustration of what the revised Bridgwater Tidal Barrier will look like [AtkinsRéalis] A proposed tidal barrier is to be made 32ft (10m) shorter to reduce costs following a review. The Environment Agency says the structure in Bridgwater, Somerset, will now be 49ft (15m) high but still provide the same level of flood protection for almost 1,300 homes and businesses.
Tidal barrier to be 10m shorter to save money
Michelle Ruminski - Somerset Politics Reporter January 16, 2026 at 10:35 AM An architect's illustration of what the revised Bridgwater Tidal Barrier will look like [AtkinsRéalis] A proposed tidal barrier is to be made 32ft (10m) shorter to reduce costs following a review. The Environment Agency says the structure in Bridgwater, Somerset, will now be 49ft (15m) high but still provide the same level of flood protection for almost 1,300 homes and businesses.
MP says planning reforms could erode local democracy
MP Gideon Amos wants housing decisions to be made locally [BBC] An MP has condemned planning reforms that would give the government the final say on large developments. Gideon Amos, the MP for Taunton and Wellington in Somerset, said the planned changes "represent a serious erosion of local democracy and sideline the voices of communities".
Public offered shares to help redevelop site
The 12-acre Saxonvale site has lain derelict for decades and has been the subject of several failed regeneration plans [BBC] A social enterprise is to launch a community share offer to raise the money it needs to buy and redevelop a 12-acre town centre site. Mayday Saxonvale plans to build the UK's first "community-led masterplan" in Saxonvale, a derelict brownfield site in Frome, Somerset, and promises to reinvest profits back into the community.
Somerset: Five big changes set to happen in 2026
Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is expected to reach its peak in construction workers in 2026 [HPC] There are some major changes planned for Somerset this year which are set to have a big impact on our county. From the UK's biggest electric vehicle (EV) battery plant taking shape, to Somerset Council's attempts to stave off effectively going bust, the county could see some big developments in 2026. Below, we take a look at five of Somerset's biggest schemes for the year ahead. 1.
Pub closure fear after 'phenomenal' rise in rates
Michelle Ruminski - Somerset Political Reporter A pub owner has said she is genuinely worried how she will keep her doors open as she anticipates a tripling in her business rates following the Autumn Budget. Millie Coward, who owns four pubs in Somerset, said she is anticipating the bill for the Bear Inn in Wiveliscombe alone to go up by £24,000 a year. Ms Coward added that if the government does not listen to those in the trade and rethink its plans "there won't be a high street left".
Pub closure fear after 'phenomenal' rise in rates
Millie and Jon Coward, the owners of the Bell Inn in Wiveliscombe, say they don't know where they will find an extra £500 a week to pay their future business rates bill [Millie Coward] A pub owner has said she is genuinely worried how she will keep her doors open as she anticipates a tripling in her business rates following the Autumn Budget. Millie Coward, who owns four pubs in Somerset, said she is anticipating the bill for the Bear Inn in Wiveliscombe alone to go up by £24,000 a year.
Government-backed regeneration projects axed
Michelle Ruminski - Somerset Political Reporter; Ruth Bradley - Somerset political reporter Tue, December 16, 2025 at 12:04 PM UTC 4 min read Red Brick says it is "preparing for the very real possibility of insolvency" [BBC News] A council has terminated two multi-million pound government-funded regeneration projects after an audit of one highlighted concerns over governance and finances.
'Chaotic' paused factory project given further £420k
A £2.89m government-funded renovation project continued to receive payments months after the local authority overseeing the cash had put it on hold, according to financial experts. Somerset Council officially 'paused' funding for the Life Factory project in Glastonbury in January 2024 amid serious concerns about its management. Auditors have now revealed payments totalling £420,000 were made by the council to the project between May and December 2024.
'Chaotic' paused factory project given further £420k
The current state of the Life Factory building on Morland Road in Glastonbury after worked stopped in January 2024 [BBC News] A £2.89m government-funded renovation project continued to receive payments months after the local authority overseeing the cash had put it on hold, according to financial experts. Somerset Council officially 'paused' funding for the Life Factory project in Glastonbury in January 2024 amid serious concerns about its management.
College transformation on track for completion in 2027
Search query College transformation on track for completion in 2027 Michelle Ruminski - Somerset Political Reporter Thu, November 27, 2025 at 5:03 PM UTC Yeovil College CEO and Principal Mark Bolton said the £90m project will "redefine engineering education in our region" [BBC] A £90m rebuild of Yeovil College campus is set to be completed by mid-2027.
MP calls for one-way system in town to be dropped
Search query MP calls for one-way system in town to be dropped Michelle Ruminski - Somerset Politics Reporter Mon, November 17, 2025 at 4:50 PM UTC An MP has called for the new one-way system to be dropped claiming it has led to "traffic chaos". Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox said making East Quay and Salmon Parade in the town one-way and scrapping a major upgrade to the Cross Rifles roundabout has made traffic "intolerable".
MP calls for one-way system in town to be dropped
An MP has called for the new one-way system to be dropped claiming it has led to "traffic chaos". Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox said making East Quay and Salmon Parade in the town one-way and scrapping a major upgrade to the Cross Rifles roundabout has made traffic "intolerable". Mike Rigby who is in charge of Planning on Somerset Council said there is always a period of "bedding in" with any new scheme, but "elements seem to be working quite well".
Development approved despite right of way concerns
Michelle Ruminski - Politics Reporter, BBC Somerset; Kelly Withers - Somerset November 13, 2025 at 12:22 AM The development will be on land off the A39 Quantock Road near Bridgwater [Google Maps] A housing development which will see more than 320 properties built on the edge of a town has been approved, despite concerns around public rights of way. Persimmon Severn Valley said it would build 323 homes over two phases on land south of the A39 Quantock Road near Bridgwater, Somerset.
Council votes to put derelict site back on market
One of the abandoned buildings on the Saxonvale site in the middle of Frome [BBC] A derelict site in the heart of a town centre is to be put back on the market. Somerset Council has withdrawn its offer to exclusively sell the 12-acre Saxonvale site in Frome to Mayday Saxonvale, as the social enterprise has been unable to complete the sale due to a lack of funding. Paul Oster, co-director of Mayday Saxonvale, said there had been "unforeseen delays" with their initial funding partner.
Families protest over 'broken' Send school system
Parents and children gathered outside County Hall in Taunton [BBC] Dozens of families gathered outside a council's headquarters to protest against special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision. More than 50 parents and children gathered outside County Hall in Taunton, Somerset, angry about the authority's Send service which they said was failing their children,and leaving parents "exhausted". Organiser Tatjana from Somerset Send Army said: "We are barely standing.
Families protest over 'broken' Send school system
Dozens of families gathered outside a council's headquarters to protest against special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision. More than 50 parents and children gathered outside County Hall in Taunton, Somerset, angry about the authority's Send service which they said was failing their children,and leaving parents "exhausted". Organiser Tatjana from Somerset Send Army said: "We are barely standing. I'm just about keeping my job. I'm mentally exhausted.
Send families 'systematically failed' by council
Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) say statutory deadlines are being missed by the system designed to support them. Only 6.5% of education, health and care plans (EHCPs), which are legally binding documents which set out the specific Send support individuals should get, were issued by Somerset Council within the statutory 20-week period last year.
New Send cafe a 'massive getaway' for parents
The cafe opened after growing demand for support for special educational needs and disabilities (Send) families [BBC] A new cafe for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) is "a massive getaway", according to one parent. The Den Coffee House opened in Taunton, Somerset on Saturday. It has an inclusive play space and offers free legal advice.
New Send cafe a 'massive getaway' for parents
A new cafe for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) is "a massive getaway", according to one parent. The Den Coffee House opened in Taunton, Somerset on Saturday. It has an inclusive play space and offers free legal advice. Coffee, Chat & Support Community Interest Company, which is led by parents, said it opened the cafe due to rising demand for Send family support across the county. Speaking at the cafe, parent Jolie Howe said: "It's big.
Boy with autism faces quitting school after taxi cut
Michelle Ruminski - Senior Politics Reporter and Carys Nally - Journalist Tue, September 23, 2025 at 6:28 AM UTC 3 min read The mother of a teenager with special educational needs is calling on a council to reverse its decision to stop paying for the support he needs to get him to school. Now that Tatjana's son Luke has turned 16, Somerset Council says it no longer has a statutory obligation to pay for his transport, which includes a taxi and an in-car support worker.
WECA spent nearly £900k on payouts and tribunals
An audit report has revealed the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) spent about £476,000 paying off disgruntled staff in the final year of the previous administration. Labour's Dan Norris led the combined authority from 2021, but was not allowed to run again in May after being elected the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham last year. Norris' time as mayor was marred by fallouts with the three councils which comprise WECA, but also high-ranking officers within the authority's senior team.
'Why can't we be paid for the work we've done?'
Contractors who worked on a £2.89m government-funded renovation project have said it is "disgusting" they have not been paid for all their work. Work to create a community space at The Life Factory in Glastonbury paused in 2024 after Somerset Council had concerns about its progress and stopped releasing funds to Red Brick Building Centre, which was responsible for the project. The BBC understands about 15 creditors are awaiting payment, including one who claimed he is owed about £380,000.
Bridgwater roadworks have caused 'unbelievable' congestion Original
Anger as town's roadworks causing gridlock Michelle Ruminski Somerset Political Reporter BBC Resident Tracey-Ann Cummins (centre) said she no longer does her shopping in Bridgwater town centre because the traffic is "unbelievable" A town's ongoing roadworks has been causing gridlock during peak traffic times, according to some residents and traders.
Somerset Council
£47m cuts will impact on services - council leader Charlie Taylor & Michelle Ruminski BBC Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, said the government needed to fix what he called a "broken" local government funding model The leader of Somerset Council has said the authority will try to maintain a high quality service with fewer resources. The council plans to make cuts of £47m in the year ahead to avoid effectively going bankrupt, and still has a £66m hole in its budget to fill.
£47m cuts will impact on services
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