Friday 6th November

Friday, 6 November 2026 at 09:30

By Steve Haigh

Up to 70 jobs could go at the Leonardo helicopter factory in Yeovil. Police are investigating a fire at the former Pittard factory in Yeovil. Families on low incomes are being offered tickets at just £3 to this year’s Yeovil pantomime...and more

Up to 70 jobs could go at the Leonardo helicopter factory in Yeovil as part of a re-structuring of the business. Leonardo says the job cuts will affect workers on the final assembly line due to a slowdown in work in that part of the business. A spokesperson says that despite recent new contract awards, manufacturing timelines do not deliver immediate work to the final assembly line. Leonardo says it will be working with trade unions and employee representatives during the restructure period.

Police are investigating a fire at the former Pittard factory in Yeovil. It happened yesterday afternoon (Thurs 7 Nov) with flames and black smoke seen coming from the roof of the building. The factory on the A30 Sherborne Road shutdown 3 years ago and has been empty ever since.

A Yeovil-based maker of specialist inflatable boats has gone into liquidation, with the loss of 18 jobs. Ribcraft Limited on Mead Avenue at Houndstone Business Park builds rigid inflatable boats, used by the police and military, including the US Navy. A notice in the London Gazette says Ribcraft Limited, previously known as RIB Craft Limited, has ceased trading, with 18 employees made redundant.

Families on low incomes are being offered tickets at just £3 to this year’s Yeovil pantomime. The Westlands Entertainment Venue has released 1,000 cut price tickets with funding from the Arts Council. People on universal or pension credit, children on free school meals and those receiving housing benefit or a carer's allowance can apply for tickets.

Fifty tons of wood has been destroyed in a suspected arson attack on a timber yard in Ditcheat. The blaze at the premises of Land Logic Timber broke out in the early hours of Monday. Police are asking for anyone with information to please call the non-emergency number 101.

More from News

Thursday 5th November

South West Water says reservoir levels in Somerset are starting to recover after recent heavy rainfall. Castle Cary railway station is to get a new footbridge. A young dancer from Martock has been chosen to perform with the English Youth Ballet... and more
Wednesday 4th November

People in Somerset will go to the polls in May 2028 to elect a new mayor for the Wessex region. A Somerset farmer who failed a breath test after being caught asleep at the wheel of his tractor has narrowly avoided losing his driving licence. The new Ham Hill Visitor Centre has been named a regional winner in the Building Excellence Awards 2026... and more
tuesday 3rd November

Somerset Council says it doesn’t have the money to improve its planning enforcement team. Drivers are being advised that work to replace the central barrier on the M5 near Wellington starts this week. A health food shop in Chard has been crowned High Street Shop of the Year... and more
Monday 2nd November

A motorist was caught driving at 133mph on the A303 between Podimore and Sparkford, according to newly released data from Avon and Somerset Police. Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre closed for the last time at the weekend. Public firework displays in Ilminster and Martock have been cancelled due to rising costs... and more
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