Monday 19th January

Monday, 19 January 2026 at 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.

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Friday 30th October

Wells Cathedral says it's having to get creative to bring in more money as financial pressures continue to grow. A convenience store in Martock has been allowed to keep its alcohol licence despite an employee working there illegally. Police have seized an illegally ridden e-scooter in Yeovil in response to concerns from local residents... and more
Thursday 29th October

A Yeovil man has been detained under the Mental Health Act for attacking his mother with a knife. People in Chard are being reminded that it’s unlawful to attach flags to lamp posts and street furniture. Wincanton Racecourse has called off its 'Badger Chase Day' because the ground is too firm... and more
Wednesday 28th October

Leweston School near Sherborne has announced that it is closing with immediate effect. NHS Somerset could merge with neighbours in Bath and North-East Somerset and Dorset to cut costs. Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant has launched a campaign to get more people nominated for national honours... and more
Tuesday 27th October

Work has started building a new six-million-pound flood defence scheme in Taunton. Plans have been submitted to build a new church hall in Martock. People are being asked to donate gifts to this year’s Chard Christmas Present Appeal... and more
Monday 26th October

Eligible groups in Somerset are being encouraged to get their flu jabs. There’s a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look inside Avon & Somerset Police’s control room. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, has visited Yeovil... and more.
Friday 23rd October

Somerset is the 11th most challenging place in England to be a child according to a report. Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire could have its own elected ‘Wessex Mayor’ by 2028. Cricketer, Ian Botham returns to the county this weekend... and more.
Thursday 22nd October

The NFU says that testing for the virus Bluetongue needs to be sped up. Construction of new flats on Yeovil’s Grimsby Corner site will officially begin next year. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind tomorrow... and more.
Wednesday 21st October

The owner of campsite in Somerset says a two-thousand-seven-hundred percent increase in business rates will be 'catastrophic' for his business. Plans to build nearly 300 new homes on the outskirts of Chard have been given the go ahead. Yeovil Town are through to the first round proper of the FA Cup after beating Leatherhead 5-2 at Huish Park last night... and more