Friday 26th September

Friday, 26 September 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Lloyds Banking Group has announced that it is closing its Halifax branch in Yeovil. Avon and Somerset Chief Constable, Sarah Crew, is calling on the public to stand firm against hate. A helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton has been involved in tracking a Russian warship over the English Channel...and more.

Lloyds Banking Group has announced that it will be closing its Yeovil branch of The Halifax. Lloyds Bank, by the War Memorial on the High Street, will be unaffected by closures being made across the country. The Halifax will close on January 12th,2026.

Avon and Somerset Chief Constable, Sarah Crew, is calling on the public to stand firm against hate. She's a signatory to an open letter, also signed by council leaders, asking for calm, following an incident in which a 9-year-old girl was shot with an airgun in Bristol in a racially motivated attack. Sarah Crew says people are scared to go about their daily lives for fear of being attacked on the streets, which is not acceptable.

A helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton has been involved in tracking a Russian warship as it crossed the English Channel. The Wildcat was scrambled to support HMS Iron Duke in following the Russian vessel as part of a NATO-led operation last week.

Pharmacy chain Jhoots, which has unexpectedly shut all its outlets in Somerset, has been accused of failing to provide patients with their medication and not paying its staff. In a statement, Jhoots says it's actively engaging with staff, partners and other stakeholders. But one former employee in Somerset claims she's owed thousands of pounds in unpaid wages.

A key flood defence in Somerset could be upgraded to cut the risk of flooding at places further inland. The Somerset Rivers Authority wants to widen Highbridge Clyce as part of mitigation measures to reduce the flood risk upstream from the River Brue.

A carpenter from Somerset has been chosen to carry out repairs at Britain's scientific base in Antarctica. Jo Oliver from Wedmore is part of a team of tradespeople travelling to Antarctica to help 'future-proof' buildings at Port Lockroy against the effects of climate change.

More from News

Tuesday 17th February

Avon and Somerset Police are asking the owners of replica guns to hand them in. It's claimed motorists in the Bruton and Wincanton area are paying out hundreds of pounds in repairs due to the poor state of local roads. And, Yeovil Town take on Aldershot at Huish Park tonight... and more
Monday 16th February

Yeovil MP Adam Dance has warned that the Westlands entertainment venue in Yeovil would be at risk should Leonardo not be awarded a government contract to build new medium life helicopters. A Chard woman has been given a suspended jail sentence for carrying a knife in a public place. A petition has been launched to slowdown motorists using Coker Way and Wyatt Way in Chard... and more
Friday 13th February

Somerset Council has dropped plans to close two town centre car parks in Yeovil. A Yeovil man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was attacked in her home. The Environment Agency has committed to reviewing its water management of the Somerset Levels following the recent floods... and more
Thursday 12th February

The government says it's ‘working flat out’ to arrive at a decision on ordering a new medium lift helicopter with Leonardo in Yeovil. We’re being asked to suggest where new electric vehicle charge points should be installed in Somerset. A new project is inviting people to look up and help map Somerset’s night skies... and more
Wednesday 11th February

Somerset Council has been told it can’t raise council tax by more than 5 percent. Businesses in Somerset are being warned to watch out for fake £20 notes. A Martock man has successfully completed a parachute-ski jump off the top of Mount Snowdon.
Tuesday 10th February

Eye operations in Somerset have been cancelled, due to a private company running out of NHS funding to provide the surgery. A local MP is calling for the permanent installation of pumps on the Somerset Levels to reduce the flood risk. A £3 million pound project has begun to refurbish the grand organ at Wells Cathedral... and more
Monday 9th February

Multiple flood alerts and warnings remain in place across South Somerset following the weekend’s heavy rainfall. Work starts today repairing a sinkhole on Station Road in Castle Cary. A business in Crewkerne is closing after 50-years trading in the town... and more
Friday 6th September

Leonardo has announced a major deal to build helicopters in India. Campaigners trying to set up a new bus link to Castle Cary railway station from Glastonbury say they need 150 thousand pounds of council money. A community event is being held in Chard for charities and service providers to showcase their activities.... and more