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.

More from News

Tuesday 15th September

Police investigating an attack on a shop worker in Yeovil have released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to. Farmers in Somerset are being warned to expect more cases of bluetongue. Ilminster Carnival Committee has announced the cancellation of this year's Children's Carnival due to a lack of entries... and more
Monday 14th September

Two new mobile NHS breast screening units have taken to the road in Somerset. More than 700 new homes are to be built alongside the M5 in Bridgwater. Dawes Twineworks in West Coker is one of several venues open to the public for free this month... and more
Friday 11th September

It’s going to cost more to park in Chard. Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with two burglaries in Yeovil. Somerset Cricket Club is planning to stage performances by some of the world's biggest artistes at their Taunton ground... and more
Thursday 10th September

Work has begun building a new multi-million-pound David Lloyd leisure centre in Yeovil. NHS Somerset says a new system to handle emergency stroke care will lead to "better outcomes" for patients. Tickets for next year’s Glastonbury Festival will go on sale in October...and more
Wednesday 9th September

Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following an assault in Yeovil. Businesses in Taunton say they're worried that planned changes to parking rules could put people off visiting the town. The Red Arrows will take to the skies near the Somerset border in a one-off display later this week... and more
Tuesday 8th September

Police in Avon and Somerset say they’re dealing with a big increase in reports of cloned vehicle fraud. A new video system designed to speed up stroke care has been launched in Somerset. Pilgrims are walking through Somerset this week to mark eight hundred years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi... and more
Monday 7th September

Avon and Somerset Police are warning about a new scam involving criminals posing as police officers. Flu vaccinations are now available on the NHS ahead of the winter. Liverpool comedian John Bishop has cancelled his show in Taunton later this week after breaking his ankle... and more
Friday 4th September

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vehicle near Shepton Mallet. New taxi charges come into force in Somerset later this month. The fire service is treating as accidental a blaze at a flat in Yeovil town centre... and more