Friday 13th March

Friday, 13 March 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

The first of the new medium lift helicopters being built by Leonardo in Yeovil for the RAF will be delivered in 2031. Somerset Council has launched a public consultation on planned new charges at its two hundred public car parks. More women in Somerset are said to be taking up walking football... and more

The first of the new medium lift helicopters being built by Leonardo in Yeovil for the RAF will be delivered in 2031. The date was confirmed by Defence Minister Luke Pollard in a written reply to a question in the House of Commons. Some industry observers have described the one-billion-pound contract to build 23 medium-lift helicopters as ‘too expensive’, with cheaper options available to buy abroad. But the Ministry of Defence says it expects 15 billion pounds of exports to flow from the Leonardo order.

Somerset Council says it is experiencing complications sending out council tax bills. It’s warning that bills do not reflect changes to addresses, household circumstances and single occupancy discount applications, with households sent a second revised bill. The council says the problem has been caused by consolidating several older payment systems into a new single platform, resulting in processing times taking longer than normal. Householders are advised to view the council’s website for further information.

A Somerset quarry, a key supplier of road surfacing materials, is to expand by 40 acres. Moons Hill near Stoke St Michael is a main source of aggregate for using to repair damaged highways.

Somerset Council has launched a public consultation on planned new charges at its two hundred public car parks. The council wants to introduce a tiered pricing structure for on-street and off-street parking, with fees for using public car parks on a sliding scale, depending on location. The new structure would apply seven days a week, with fees introduced at free car parks, the subject of discussions with businesses, council members, town, city and parish councils and other stakeholders.

More women in Somerset are said to be taking up walking football. The Somerset Football Association says there are now six teams across the county, with many players completely new to the sport.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more