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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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