Friday 6th March

Friday, 6 March 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

Defence Minister Luke Pollard has been explaining why it took the government so long to confirm a contract for the Leonardo in Yeovil to build new medium lift helicopters for the RAF. Police are investigating a break in at a pet shop in Ilminster. Somerset Council is to stop using red ink on council tax reminder letters... and more

Defence Minister Luke Pollard has been explaining why it took the government so long to confirm a contract for Leonardo in Yeovil to build new medium lift helicopters for the RAF. The future of the factory was at risk had Leonardo not been given the one-billion-pound contract. The deadline to place the order was last Sunday with the government only confirming they would buy the helicopters the same day. Speaking during a visit to the Yeovil factory, Mr Pollard said the contract was delayed because the government needed to be sure they had the agreement just right.

Police are investigating a break in at a pet shop in Ilminster. It happened at PAWS pet supplies on Ditton Street on Monday. Police say a number of items were stolen, including cash from a charity collection box.

Somerset Council is to stop using red ink on council tax reminder letters. It follows complaints that people have felt threatened receiving letters printed in red about non-payment of their council tax. Meanwhile, members of Somerset Council have voted to put up council tax by 5 percent. After warning of bankruptcy, Council Leader Bill Revans says their finances remain fragile but are moving into a recovery phase. The opposition Conservative group on Somerset Council say the Lib Dem run authority needs to get its house in order.

Plans have been submitted to redevelop the Podimore Services Station on the A303. JMS Planning, for Motor Fuel Group Limited, want to clear the site and build a new sales outlet, new fuel pumps, jet-wash bays and hub of eight electric vehicle charging points.

Castle Cary Museum is appealing for new volunteers. The museum which tells the story of the town and includes a collection of valuable local artefacts, reopens for a new season on Saturday, March 28th.

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Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says July has been its busiest month ever for emergency calls. Police have recovered a 1970s Austin Mini pick-up stolen in Shepton Mallet. A specialist spinal injuries service at Yeovil Hospital has treated three hundred patients in its first year... and more
Thursday 30th July

The Environment Agency has declared a drought across Somerset as the hot weather takes its toll on the county's water supplies. Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic accident near Crewkerne. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow...and more
Wednesday 29th July

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with a series of moped thefts in Chard. A combine harvester has been destroyed in a farm fire at Forton, near Chard. A bowls player from Yeovil has won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow... and more
Tuesday 28th July

The former Beales department store in Yeovil could be brought back into use as part of a wider masterplan for the future of the town. A yellow heat health alert is in place across Somerset from nine o’clock this morning until nine o’clock on Friday morning. A Somerset farmer says this year is the driest on his land since 1976... and more
Monday 27th July

Gooch and Housego, based in Ilminster and one of the town’s biggest employers, has been sold in a multi-million-pound deal to an American private equity firm. A father who shook his four-week-old baby to death at a house in Chard has been sentenced to life in prison. A doctor who works for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is one of five people to have jointly set a new world record for rowing around Great Britain... and more
Friday 24th July

Avon and Somerset Police are warning people to watch out for scammers posing as Amazon. The CEO of the company that provides Somerset's recycling is warning of a major incident if people continue to put used batteries in waste bins. A former Yeovil pub could be demolished to make way for a major hotel expansion.
Thursday 23rd July

The West Country is officially one step closer to being declared in drought. Somerset Council says it's remodelling its service after a children's home was closed following an inspection. A new McDonald's planned off the M5 at Bridgwater could create up to 120 local jobs... and more
Wednesday 22nd July

Two men have been jailed for stealing electrical items and cash from a property in Yeovil. Somerset Council has defended its use of Yeovil’s new performance area in The Triangle, in Lower Middle Street. Tintinhull Primary School, near Yeovil, has won a top national award for outdoor play... and more