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

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more