Monday 17th November

Monday, 17 November 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are threatening further strike action. Dunelm says its Yeovil store in the Quedam will reopen on Tuesday, December 16th. A nurse working at Yeovil Hospital has won a place in the final of Miss England...and more.

Workers belonging to the Unite union at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are threatening further strike action in support of their pay claim. It follows Unite members' rejection of a 3.6% pay rise and last week’s two-day stoppage at plants in Yeovil, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Basildon and Luton. Leonardo says it’s disappointed that its improved pay offer was not positively received and would welcome Unite back to the table in a bid to resolve the issue. Unite says if Leonardo fails to offer a pay rise to match inflation, its members in Yeovil will strike again for two days on November 25th and 28th.

Two out of three people in Somerset say they’re unhappy with local bus services, according to the results of a consultation on a new transport plan for Somerset. It sets out how Somerset Council’s priorities for delivering local bus services over the next 20 years. The results of the consultation also show a strong desire amongst the public for a reduction in carbon emissions and improvements to walking and cycling routes.

A man has appeared in court charged with stealing £4,000 worth of goods from M&S, Waitrose, and Co-op stores in Somerset. Appearing at Taunton Crown Court, Benjamin Holt, aged 41, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft, including twelve hundred pounds in alcohol from Tesco in Langport, and was jailed for nine months and given a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Dunelm says its store in the Quedam in Yeovil will reopen to customers on Tuesday, December 16th. The shop closed in August last year following a major fire which destroyed most of the building.

A Yeovil nurse has won a place in the final of Miss England. Skye Dorland, aged 23, a midwife at Yeovil Hospital, was crowned Miss Somerset last month, and will represent the South West in the Miss England final being held over two days in Wolverhampton on November 20th and 21st.

A Scout group in South Somerset is seeking volunteers to help run its 10-to 14-year-old section. Ilminster Scout Group is seeking more adult helpers. No previous experience is required to volunteer, as full support and training will be provided. Anyone interested in joining is asked to please email: ilminsterscoutsection@gmail.com

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Wednesday 28th January

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has announced plans to develop a new operational base on the Leonardo airfield in Yeovil. Several people have been rescued from their homes in Ilminster due to flooding. An £800,000 project is underway to restore two staircases at Montecute House...and more
Tuesday 27th January

Last week was the wettest seven-day period in Somerset for twelve years. NHS Somerset says it’s working towards making access to dental care fairer for all. A scout leader in Somerset has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People...and more
Monday 26th January

A new group has been formed to challenge plans to build 100 new homes in Keinton Mandeville. Bridgwater Town Council has voted to increase its share of the Council Tax by 5%. Organisers of Yeovil in Bloom are appealing for young people to get involved in this year’s competition...and more
Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

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Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more