Friday 6th September

Friday, 6 February 2026 05:00

By Steve Haigh

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

Leonardo, who've threatened to close their Yeovil factory if they don't get a government contract to build medium lift helicopter, has announced a major deal to build helicopters in India. They've joined with the firm Adani to build one thousand helicopters for the Indian government. Leonardo warned last year that it could not continue to subsidise the Yeovil factory and said it would shut the site at the end of March if the order for medium lift helicopters was not forthcoming. The government’s defence investment plan, which will confirm if the new medium lift helicopter is wanted by the MOD, is due to be published in the Spring.

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. Somerset is getting over four million pounds a year in government funding until 2030 towards improving bus services, but Somerset Bus Partnership claims 80 percent of the cash will go towards existing routes.

Brean Theme Park in Brean in Somerset has gone into liquidation. Owners of the theme park, Unity Holidays, say Brean Splash and a local gym which they also own, will continue to operate as normal.

The social media star from Somerset, Francis Bourgeois, known for his light-hearted videos about his love for trains, has been announced as one of the new presenters of the TV motoring show, The Grand Tour. Alongside James Engelsman and Thomas Holland from the YouTube channel, Throttle House, the trio will replace Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

A community event is being held in Chard for charities and service providers to showcase their activities. Chard Town Council says it’s an opportunity for organisations to discover what each other do in the local area, and takes place at the Guildhall on Saturday, February 21st.

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