SPIRALLING oil prices are hitting hard across Taunton Deane with businesses, public services and individuals all feeling the squeeze.

Firms face tough decisions as fuel bills soar and households are spending more on petrol, while Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital and local schools are also being affected.

The average cost of unleaded petrol in the South-West is now around 86p with diesel at 89p -- the £4 gallon is looming.

The Chancellor Gordon Brown relieved some pressure by announcing on Tuesday that he is postponing September's proposed fuel duty increase.

For the full story, see this week's Somerset County Gazette.