Local News Thursday 25th November

Thursday, 25 November 2021 06:00

The CBI has given its backing to Yeovil-based Leonardo winning a major contract to build the AW 149 for the British government. Jobs advisors in Somerset are urging workers aged over 50 not to panic if they lost jobs during the pandemic. Yeovil Town Council has granted a ‘change of use’ on an empty shop in the town centre. Motorists are being warned of a road closure in Halstock. Somerset-based luxury brand Mulberry has posted a turnaround in profits from red to black...and more.

The CBI has given its backing to Yeovil-based Leonardo winning a major contract to build the AW 149 for the British government. The order, worth in the region of one-billion pounds and spread over 10-years, is to provide a replacement for the RAF’s ageing fleet of Pumas helicopters. The CBI declared its support for the Leonardo bid during its annual conference, held in Yeovil earlier this week.

Jobs advisors in Somerset are urging workers aged over 50 not to panic if they lost jobs during the pandemic. It’s claimed the pandemic's led to the biggest annual fall in employment for workers aged 50 and over since the 1980s.

Yeovil Town Council has granted a ‘change of use’ on an empty shop in the town centre. The shop in Princes Street, next to The Rising Sun Chinese takeaway, is due to re-open as a hot food takeaway under new owners before Christmas.

Motorists are being warned of a road closure in Halstock. Yeovil Road through Halstock will be shut for one day on Saturday, December 4th for cabling laying with diversions in operations.

Somerset-based luxury brand Mulberry has posted a turnaround in profits from red to black. Despite a global lockdown and fewer international visitors to the UK, Mulberry saw its sales rise by nearly a third in 2020.

Drivers in Chard are being told not to ignore ‘road closed’ signs in the town. Police say they’ve had several reports of vehicles going through road closures and are concerned about people working on road repairs getting injured. They’re asking drivers to always follow the diversions.

Two festive nativity events are planned in Chard next month with local people invited to take part. On Saturday, December 4th, there’ll be carol singing at Chard Beacon organised by Chard Churches Together. There’ll also be carol singing with a Nativity Tableau outside Chard Guildhall on Saturday, December 11th and again on Saturday, December 18th.

More from News

Friday 12th December

The Chief Executive of Somerset Council, Duncan Sharkey, has admitted to making mistakes in cutting jobs. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is supporting a Lib Dem initiative to introduce a new ‘Farm First’ training scheme. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched an appeal to help buy a second helicopter... and more.
Thursday 11th December

A man has appeared in court in connection with an attack in Wincanton. A member of Somerset Council, jailed for 26 months for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, may not have to stand down as a councillor. NHS Somerset has announced that changes to stroke services at Yeovil Hospital will "go live" in the spring of next year...and more
Wednesday 10th December

Avon and Somerset Police say 62 drivers were arrested in the first week of the Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. A reindeer farm near Yeovil thinks it may have to close after being told it needs a Zoo licence. Father Christmas has made a special delivery of presents to Charlton Farm Children's Hospice in Somerset...and more
Tuesday 9th December

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset has criticised the government for axing the role. Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic accident near Ilminster in which a woman was seriously injured. Residents of Freedom Avenue in Yeovil are raising funds for charity with a big display of Christmas lights...and more.
Monday 8th December

Plans to build 150 new homes in Ilminster have been scrapped. A Somerset councillor has been jailed for 26 months. Marks & Spencer wants to build a new Food Store in Ilminster. Poundland has announced that it’s shutting its store in Middle Street in Yeovil...and more
Friday 5th December

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault on a man in Chard. Lloyds Banking Group has announced a date for closing the Halifax in Yeovil. Train journeys on the Castle Cary to Taunton line will be disrupted next week due to engineering work. The mental health charity MIND in Somerset has produced a Christmas advent calendar... and more.
Thursday 4th December

The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police says her force is doing all it can to reduce anti-social behaviour. Somerset Council has deferred a decision on introducing Sunday car parking charges. People living in deprived areas in Somerset are being fast-tracked for hospital treatment...and more
Wednesday 3rd December

Fire crews have rescued the driver of a car that got stuck in floodwater near Ilminster. Avon and Somerset Police are urging people going out to celebrate this Christmas to book a taxi or use public transport. A woman from South Petherton has come top at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships...and more,