Friday 27th February

Friday, 27 February 2026 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

The CEO of Leonardo has suggested the UK government could make an announcement immindently about ordering new medium lift helicopters to be built in Yeovil. A family run hardware business in Yeovil has gone into administration. The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset has been named the new patron of Somerset Chamber of Commerce... and more

The CEO of Leonardo has suggested the UK government could make an announcement immindently about ordering new medium lift helicopters to be built in Yeovil. Roberto Cingolani told a meeting of investors that Leonardo was involved in intense discussions with the UK government over the future of its Yeovil factory. Mr Chingolani had said previously that Leonardo would shut the Yeovil site if the MLH order was not confirmed by March 31st. For its part, the government has said it will not let Leonardo's final price to build the new helicopters time out, with the offer due to expire on March 1st.

A family run business in Yeovil has gone into administration. Miles Tool and Machinery Ltd on the Pen Mill Industrial Estate specialises in providing hardware, paints and glass and has been trading in Yeovil for 50 years.

A former Yeovil man now living in Exeter has appeared before local magistrates charged with downloading sexual images of children. Nathan Watson was arrested after police attended his previous address in Rosebery Avenue in Yeovil and discovered the indecent material stored on a computer. Watson, who pleaded guilty to making 97 indecent images of children, is due to be sentenced at Taunton Crown Court today.

A new all-party parliamentary group focusing on the cider industry been established with Somerton and Glastonbury MP Sarah Dyke as its chairperson. The group will act as a voice to support cider producers, working on government policy and improving sustainability across the cider industry.

The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset has been named the new patron of Somerset Chamber of Commerce. Mohammed Saddiq will work in the role of ambassador, bringing people together across business, the voluntary sector and public life, and supporting those making a positive difference in Somerset.

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Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
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