Monday 12th January

Monday, 12 January 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Leonardo is threatening to shut its Yeovil factory. Somerset Community Foundation says there's still time to donate money to its Surviving Winter Appeal. The Swan Theatre in Yeovil is staging a number of special performances to mark its 50th anniversary...and more.

The general secretary of the Unite union, Sharon Graham, is calling on the government to 'end the uncertainty' over a major order for new helicopters with Leonardo in Yeovil. It follows a warning from the Italian-owned company that it will shut the Yeovil factory if the £ 1.4 billion order for up to 30 medium-lift helicopters for the RAF is not confirmed by March 31st. Speaking to the Sunday Times, Sharon Graham accuses the government of dithering and says the delay in placing the order is putting 3,000 jobs at the Yeovil factory, along with a further 10,000 in the supply chain, at risk. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson says the new medium-lift helicopter programme is ongoing and that a final decision will be made in due course.

Somerset Community Foundation is reminding people that there's still time to donate money to their Surviving Winter Appeal. People are being asked to donate the equivalent of their winter fuel payment to support vulnerable older people.

Food retailer Iceland has permanently shut its Yeovil store in the Quedam after more than 20 years. The business has transferred to the Iceland Food Warehouse on the Yeovil Retail Park at Babylon Hill.

The Swan Theatre in Yeovil is staging several special performances to mark its 50th anniversary, beginning this week. The Swan on Brunswick Street was originally a pub and was converted to a theatre by enthusiasts in 1975 who believed that Yeovil should have an independently run theatre.

More from News

Friday 9th January

A Yeovil man has been arrested and then de-arrested after a collision in Dorset. A Somerset food manufacturer could be expanding its Wincanton base. A new dementia-friendly choir has been launched in Yeovil...and more.
Thursday 8th January

Adam Dance MP is welcoming developments in his campaign to support neurodivergent schoolchildren. Somerset was the star of the small screen last night, thanks to BBC comedy ‘Can You Keep A Secret’. A Yeovil gymnastics club has hosted a VIP guest...and more.
Wednesday 7th January

Somerset's Lib Dem MPs have described a one per cent rise in Council funding as 'profoundly disappointing'. A new independent cinema will open next month in Wincanton. We’re facing the chance of heavy snow with Storm Goretti hitting the region on Thursday...and more.
Tuesday 6th January

The Poundland chain has confirmed its store closures, including one of the Yeovil branches next Friday. Yeovil's Marlie Packer has been awarded an OBE for her outstanding contribution to rugby. Nearly one hundred new low-cost homes could be coming to South Chard...and more.
Monday 5th January

A woman has been cut free from her car after a four-vehicle collision in Montacute. Devon and Somerset fire crews have been praised for their bravery, following the summer wildfires. More new homes are set to be built in Martock, following approval from Somerset Council...and more.
Wednesday 24th December

A formal planning application has been made to carry out significant improvements to Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre, costing £15 million. The Halifax Bank in King George Street in Yeovil could be converted into 17 flats. A new young people’s centre opens in Chard early in the New Year...and more.
Tuesday 23rd December

NHS Somerset reports a strong uptake of flu jabs, but some eligible people for free vaccinations haven’t come forward. Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident on the A303 in which a pedestrian was killed. A Crewkerne woman has gone viral on TikTok after being trapped inside a Lidl store in the town... and more.