Monday 23rd March

Monday, 23 March 2026 at 05:00

By Steve Haigh

A wildcat helicopter belonging 815 Squadron based at RNAS Yeovilton has been in action tracking two Russian ships in the English Channel. People living in Somerset will have to pay to use Dorset’s household waste recycling centres from today. A road in Ilminster has closed to traffic today and will stay shut for the next ten days... and more

The Ministry of Defence says a Wildcat helicopter belonging to 815 Squadron based at RNAS Yeovilton has been in action tracking the movements of two Russian ships in the English Channel. The Russian vessels, one a frigate and the other an oil tanker, separated at the western end of the English Channel, following a period of surveillance by the Wildcat and HMS Mersey.

People living in Somerset will have to pay to use Dorset’s household waste recycling centres from today. Dorset Council operates ten recycling centres, including one in Sherborne, which is regularly used by people in Milborne Port, Templecombe and Henstridge, all in Somerset. From today, anyone living in Somerset using the Sherborne recycling centre will have to pay £8.50 and book a slot in advance.

Police are appealing for witnesses to assist with an investigation into a high-value burglary in Yeovil. It happened when machinery was stolen from a builder’s merchant on Hendford Hill between 4.30 pm on Saturday, February 28th and 7 pm on Sunday, March 1st. Police would like to hear from anybody who was in the area at the time and saw people entering the premises. using a full-size lorry with blue, high-sided curtains, to transport equipment off the site. If you can help, please call the non-emergency number 101.

The CEO of Somersets Chamber of Commerce says AI won't replace workers but will increasingly play a bigger part in how businesses operate. David Crew was speaking at a Tech Summit attended by Microsoft and Amazon, held in Taunton. Mr Crew says businesses need to embrace AI and not be afraid of adopting the new technology.

A road in Ilminster has closed to traffic today and will stay shut for the next ten days. Love Lane is closed along its entire length from the junction with East Street. It’s to allow Network Plus to carry out connection works on behalf of National Grid.

More from News

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