Monday 19th January

Monday, 19 January 2026 06:00

By Steve Haigh

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia...and more

The government is facing increasing pressure to clarify whether it will order new medium-lift helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. The Italian owners of the Yeovil factory are threatening to shut the site if the order, said to be worth £1.4 billion, is not confirmed by March 31st. Speaking in the House of Lords, Baroness Goldie said the government’s ‘dithering’ was putting thousands of jobs in Yeovil at risk.

The government says it wants farmers to be paid a ‘fairer price’ for their milk. It follows the latest price drop, which farmers say is the worst yet. Since October, payments to farmers have fallen by 35 pence a litre due to a global over supply of milk and a new trade deal with America.

Somerset Council is spending £5 million on new laptops. Council Leader Bill Revans says their staff laptops have exceeded the recommended four-year lifecycle, with many now over six years old. He says replacing the devices will help sustain productivity, minimise downtime, and ensure reliable access to the Council’s digital services.

A community speed watch group is restarting in the hamlet of Ford Street on the Blackdown Hills. It follows the introduction of Speed Indicator Devices and reports of an increase in drivers breaking the local speeding limit.

A former Royal Marine and Paralympian in Somerset has designed a new type of powered height-adjustable wheelchair. Phil Eaglesham contracted a disease while serving in Afghanistan, which left him unable to walk. Phil says having use of the all-terrain elevating wheelchair has been life-changing.

A new singing group is being set up in Yeovil for people living with dementia. The Octagon Memory Choir will meet at the Westland Entertainment venue on Fridays from the end of January, with carers and family also welcome.

More from News

Friday 16th January

The go-ahead has been given to build 200 new homes at Ilchester. Taunton Town Council is increasing its share of the Council Tax by 3 per cent a year. Somerset is featured in a new Agatha Christie drama being shown on Netflix from this week...and more
Thursday 15th January

The company behind a proposed tidal lagoon between Watchet and Minehead says it could create up to eight thousand jobs. A third councillor on Somerset Council has joined Reform UK. St Margaret's Hospice says this year’s Christmas tree collection scheme raised forty-seven thousand pounds...and more.
Wednesday 14th January

The union representing workers at Leonardo in Yeovil says it needs a clear answer from the government on whether the Yeovil factory will be awarded a contract to build new medium-lift helicopters for the RAF. Somerset Council says more support will be provided to foster carers. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels...and more
Tuesday 13th January

The Government says it won’t bring forward a decision on buying new helicopters from Leonardo in Yeovil. A bird flu surveillance zone remains in place over the Somerset Levels. Yeovil’s temporary police station on Horsey Lane is to close at the end of the month....and more
Monday 12th January

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.
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.