Friday 13th March

Friday, 13 March 2026 at 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.

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Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more