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

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