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.

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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